Total acquires majority interest in Polyblend

Total has acquired a majority 68% interest in Germany's Polyblend. Polyblend produces compounds, which are blends of polymers (polyethylene and polypropylene) and other ingredients such as mineral fillers, glass fibres, elastomers and additives, formulated to customer specifications. The transaction is aligned with the Group's strategy of developing higher value added polymers and differentiating itself in markets away from commodity plastics.

Total recently began building two polypropylene compounding lines at the Carling Platform as part of its project to secure the French site's future. The lines are scheduled to start up in mid 2016.

"The acquisition allows Total to consolidate its position in the fast growing market for polymers for automotive solutions," explained Philippe Sauquet, President of Total’s Refining & Chemicals. "Accentuated efforts to lighten vehicles to improve their efficiency mean that this type of product, whose technology is constantly evolving, enjoys a strong growth outlook. The Polyblend acquisition complements the current investment in new production lines at the Carling site. We will be able to tap expertise and synergies at the main facility in Carling and the Polyblend site in Bad Sobernheim, just 150 km away, to productively expand in this field."

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/19032015/total-acquires-majority-interest-in-polyblend-474/