Sabic (Riyadh / Saudi-Arabia; www.sabic.com) is preparing to switch its HDPE production line in Gelsenkirchen / Germany to bimodal grades for use in blow moulding applications. Commercial production is due to commence in Q2 2013. According to Mario Scholle, Business Manager Bimodal HDPE at Sabic, the company is responding to “uncertainties with the delivery situation for bimodal materials in Europe”.

The targeted customers include producers of blow-moulded bottles with a capacity of up to five litres for household and industrial chemicals and body care products. In addition to the changeover of the 250,000 t/y facility in Gelsenkirchen, Sabic also intends to convert one of its HDPE plants in Saudi-Arabia – either in Yanbu or Al Jubail. No details were given, but the portfolio is expected to include grades for large-sized containers. The aim is to begin production there in Q3 2013.

Until now, Sabic has focused primarily on extrusion materials for pipe and film applications. The first two blow moulding grades from the German plant will have a density of 0.958 g/cm3 with a melt flow index of 22 and 28 g/10 min respectively.