Polyolefins

Lyondell and Basell have joined forces to create a new global leader in polymers, chemicals and refining – LyondellBasell Industries.

LyondellBasell’s Polymers Division, which produces and markets industry-leading polyolefins, is organised into four global businesses: polypropylene, polyethylene, advanced polyolefins and polyolefin solutions.


We produce and market three main types of polypropylene:

  • homopolymers
  • copolymers
  • random copolymers

The polyethylene products we produce and market include:

  • high density polyethylene
  • medium density polyethylene
  • low density polyethylene

The company produces an innovative family of specialty polyolefins which includes polybutene-1, advanced polypropylene resins from the Catalloy process and polypropylene compounds. These products offer a wide range of performance characteristics superior to conventional polyolefins and other competing polymers. Our products can be formulated to meet specific customer requirements.

Manufactured using LyondellBasell’s world-renowned polyolefin process technologies, our high-performance resins are versatile, recyclable materials – used in applications ranging from packaging and housewares to automotive, industrial and appliances.

With strong global demand for value-added products that push performance to new extremes, our polyolefins business works closely with LyondellBasell’s R&D organisation to bring innovative resins to market as quickly as possible. We continuously discover new opportunities for polyolefins to replace other polymers and traditional materials – by offering properties and performance unmatched in the industry:

  • Thin-wall injection moulding resins produce thinner, lighter-weight packaging
  • New thermoforming copolymers allow converters to make thinner drinking cups, which replace paper containers, while utilizing less material and energy
  • High melt flow copolymers with freezer impact allow our customers to replace paper ice cream containers with reusable PP containers
  • New resins used in injection stretch blow molded beverage bottles are clearer, tougher and faster-processing
  • High-strength polymers that produce gas, water and sewage pipe
  • Resins that meet stringent requirements for medical applications such as syringes
  • Materials used in surgical masks that shield doctors and patients