Indorama Ventures outlines plan for disciplined, sustainable growth

MOSCOW (MRC) -- Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited (IVL), a global sustainable chemical producer, today outlined its business strategy at its 2023 Capital Markets Day in Bangkok, including enhancing competitiveness and applying a disciplined and sustainable approach to new opportunities as demand for the company’s products continues to grow globally, said the company.

Since 2019 – a three-year period that included unprecedented pandemic-related disruptions – Indorama Ventures’ revenue grew 65% to a record USD18.7 billion in FY2022, while EBITDA rose 160% to USD2.4 billion. The company forecast continued high demand for its diversified, global portfolio of products – more than 70% of which are used in daily consumer necessities that are resistant to economic downturns, including in packaging, clothes, tires, baby diapers, and chemicals used in shampoos.

Mr. Aloke Lohia, Indorama Ventures Group CEO, said “The company is developing and empowering the next generation of leaders with a ‘growth mindset’ as a cornerstone of a program to enhance competitiveness and create value through disciplined and sustainable growth."

“We are, and always will be a growth company, and we are embedding this entrepreneurial mindset into the next generation of leaders who can build agile, fast, precise and innovative businesses that can deliver value in an increasingly volatile world,” Mr Lohia said.

To remain competitive, the company is constantly reviewing its diverse, global portfolio of integrated businesses to maximize use of employed capital and maintain management’s historical focus on managing costs. It is also employing new digital toolsets, such as the global rollout of SAP S/4HANA to optimize productivity and enable more agile decision-making to realize full business potential.

Mr DK Agarwal, Deputy Group CEO, said: “Indorama Ventures has undisputed leadership positions in many of our end markets, with enormous scope to expand organically and inorganically. These transformational initiatives are empowering our managers to quickly capture opportunities created by the volatile environment to grow our businesses."

Indorama Ventures has a disciplined strategy to capitalize on its integrated platform of growth businesses through organic growth and new acquisitions that deliver on strict performance criteria. These metrics include an enhanced core EBITDA margin, a 15% return on employed capital, contribution to earnings quality, and allowing the company to maintain balance sheet discipline. Since 2020, the company has expanded in substantial new growth areas, including by developing its newest Integrated Oxides and Derivatives (IOD) segment through acquisitions such as Oxiteno in 2021 and Huntsman assets in 2020.

Mr Agarwal added “All three of our business segments – Combined PET, Fibers and IOD – are connected by polyester, which is fully circular. Our growth comes from selectively building our portfolio in diversified segments along our chosen polyester-based value chain, which means sustainability potential is innately built into our model. Our Vision 2030 is about building on our industry leadership in sustainability, including through increasing our recycling capacity, introducing more circular feedstock into our products, and building resilience throughout our business.”

We remind, Indorama Ventures, which recently launched its first recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) plant in the Philippines in a joint venture (JV) with Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines (CCBPI), expects persistent challenges in availing themselves of sufficient feedstock.

Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, listed in Thailand (Bloomberg ticker IVL.TB), is one of the world’s leading petrochemicals producers, with a global manufacturing footprint across Europe, Africa, Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company’s portfolio comprises Combined PET, Integrated Oxides and Derivatives, and Fibers. Indorama Ventures products serve major FMCG and automotive sectors, i.e., beverages, hygiene, personal care, tire and safety segments. Indorama Ventures has about 26,000 employees worldwide and revenue of USD18.7 billion in 2022. The Company is listed in the Dow Jones Emerging Markets and World Sustainability Indices (DJSI).

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MOSCOW (MRC) -- Lummus Technology announced Butadiene LLP has selected its iC4 CATOFIN®, CATADIENE®, CDMtbe® technologies and BASF's butadiene extraction technology for units at Butadiene LLP's new petrochemical plant in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, said the company.

"We are grateful to be selected and provide multiple technologies and solutions to support Butadiene LLP's growth and expansion," said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology. "Lummus' integrated solutions can help grow the economic position of our customer as they execute this important project for Kazakhstan its downstream industry."

"We look forward to partnering with Lummus on this project to upgrade mixed butanes to valuable petrochemicals," said Diaz Diyanov, General Director of Butadiene LLP. "Butadiene LLP will further develop Kazakhstan's petrochemical industry using Lummus' processes that have the lowest carbon footprint available in the marketplace today."

The scope of this award includes the technology license and basic engineering for four process units. Once complete, the units will upgrade a mixed butanes feed to produce 85,000 MTA of isobutylene, 120,000 MTA of butadiene, and 40,000 MTA of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE). These products will feed Butadiene LLP's new synthetic rubber production facility and supply the local Kazakhstan transportation fuels market.

In addition to the licensed technologies, Butadiene LLP will have access to Lummus' portfolio of lifecycle services during the implementation and operation stages of this project, such as advanced operator training simulators, extended technical support and digitalization services.

Lummus is the exclusive supplier for the on-purpose butadiene CATADIENE technology, and both CATADIENE and CATOFIN technologies utilize Clariant's state-of-the-art catalyst. With nearly 150 licensed units, Lummus is the leader in etherification technology like CDMtbe. Lummus has been licensing the BASF butadiene extraction technology for over 30 years, and it is recognized worldwide for its environmentally friendly design and low operating costs.

We remind, KazMunayGas (KMG) and Chevron Philips Chemical representatives signed a license and engineering agreement for the second phase of the construction of an integrated gas and chemical complex in the Atyrau region. A meeting between Magzum Myrzagaliyev, Board Chair of KMG, and Venki Chandrashekar, Vice President for Research and Technology of Chevron Phillips Chemical, was held on December 11.

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MOSCOW (MRC) -- LyondellBasell and Grenergy signed five long-term solar power purchase agreements (PPAs). Under the 15-year contracts, the Spanish renewable energy producer will supply solar energy from the La Cereal solar farm project, which is expected to be operational at the end of 2025, said the company.

The agreements represent about 329,000 megawatt-hours (MWh) of solar power annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of more than 90,000 European homes.

"With these agreements, LyondellBasell has now achieved 70% of our target to procure at least half of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030,” said Willemien Terpstra, LyondellBasell vice president, Decarbonization. "In total, our PPA portfolio will generate over 2.9 million megawatt hours of renewable electricity and reduce our company’s scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by more than one million tons."

"This PPA will help to optimize the financing of Grenergy's largest project to date in Spain," said David Ruiz de Andres, CEO of Grenergy. "Its development also strengthens the weight of our European portfolio, which we expect to double from the current 25% to 45% by 2025. A proven structure and ability to close PPAs is key to keeping up the pace of connections and achieving our strategic targets."

The 259 megawatts (MW) La Cereal solar farm project is part of the Clara Campoamor photovoltaic solar energy project, which Grenergy is developing between the Madrid and Castilla La Mancha region. The total installed electricity capacity will be approximately 575 MW, and it will become one of the largest photovoltaic parks in Europe.

These agreements demonstrate LyondellBasell continued progress towards the company’s goal to reduce its scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2050.

We remind, LyondellBasell announced that PetroChina Jilin Petrochemical Company will again license LyondellBasell’s polyethylene technology at their facility located in Jilin City, Jilin Province, P.R. of China. The newly licensed technology will comprise of LyondellBasell’s leading high-pressure Lupotech process technology which will be used for both a 100 kiloton per year (KTA) Autoclave and a 300 KTA Tubular line. Both production trains will produce mainly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA). Furthermore, an additional 400 KTA Hostalen “Advanced Cascade Process” (ACP) line for the production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) will be built at the same time.

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MOSCOW (MRC) -- Refiner Citgo Petroleum Corp on Thursday reported record net profit of USD2.8 billion for 2022 on strong motor fuel demand, high margins and refining output that exceeded its plants' listed capacity, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

Rebounding from a loss of USD160 million in 2021 and two straight years of losses, the results for last year also exceeded the Houston-based company's earlier forecast. Earnings across the U.S. refining sector jumped last year as fuel prices climbed sharply on the post-COVID 19 pandemic economic recovery and on global fuel shortages caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fourth quarter net profit was USD806 million, compared with USD21 million in the same period a year ago. Earnings before interest, taxes and depreciation for the final quarter was USD1.2 billion, versus USD139 million a year ago.

Last year's strong profits allow it to pay down Citgo debt by USD1.1 billion and pay dividends to its parent company, Citgo Holding, that were used to reduce its debt by USD489 million, the company said. Citgo, controlled by Venezuela's state company PDVSA , but which in 2019 cut ties with the administration of President Nicolas Maduro after the U.S. imposed strict sanctions on the South American country.

Results reflect "a strong foundation of operational and commercial excellence, asset stewardship and safety,” Chief Executive Carlos Jorda said in a statement.

Citgo's three refineries operated at record production levels in the fourth quarter. The trio processed a combined 797,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil in the final quarter, a 104% utilization rate.

For the full year, the company's total refining throughput was 811,000 bpd, compared with 730,000 bpd in 2021.

Exports for the year rose 35% over the prior year, to 182,000 bpd from 134,000 bpd. Higher product sales volumes contributed to strong gasoline and diesel margins, Citgo said.

We remind, Citgo Petroleum reported third quarter earnings of USD477 MM on strong margins and higher throughput at its three U.S. oil processing plants. Results for the Venezuelan-owned company and other U.S. refiners have touch records this year as prices for motor fuels climbed sharply on the U.S. economic recovery and on global shortages caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. That demand is expected to keep profits flowing.

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MOSCOW (MRC) -- S-OIL held the groundbreaking ceremony at S-OIL Ulsan Refinery in the presence of President Yoon Suk Yeol for the 9.258 trillion Won Shaheen Project, Korea’s biggest ever petrochemical project, said Hydrocarbonprocessing.

The ceremony was attended by some 300 guests including Chang-Yang Lee, Minister of MOTIE (Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy), Doo-kyum Kim, mayor of Ulsan City, Amin H. Nasser, President & CEO of Aramco, members from the central and local government, and construction companies. The ceremony celebrated the start of a new chapter in the Company’s history.

Shaheen reflects S-OIL’s ambitious plan to solidify its position as a clean energy and petrochemicals company that supports broader carbon neutrality ambitions. The project is located at the Onsan Industrial Complex of Ulsan City, with completion expected in 2026.

Major units include the world’s largest steam cracker (production capacity: 1,800 KTA of ethylene), a TC2C facility which converts crude directly into petrochemical feedstock (LPG, Naphtha), a polymer facility that produces high value petrochemical feedstock for plastics and other synthetic resins, and other facilities including storage tanks.

After completion of the project, S-OIL’s petrochemical production will more than double to 25% from the current 12% of total production, playing a pivotal role in diversifying its fuel-weighted business. S-OIL to diversify its business portfolio from “crude to chemicals” for innovative growth.

Shaheen represents the largest-ever investment into South Korea by Aramco, one of the world’s preeminent integrated energy and chemicals companies. Total investment including the 4.8 trillion Won first phase completed in 2018, amounts to 14 trillion Won.

“We are embarking on a great journey in the belief that this is the right time to invest in the future,” said Hussain A. Al Qahtani, the CEO of S-OIL. “Support from all of our stakeholders and our outstanding employees will no doubt deliver another major investment. Shaheen will not only expand the Company’s business portfolio into petrochemicals but also advance our efforts to drive innovative growth across the entire value chain of our business.”

The project is not only benefitting the economy of Ulsan, but also the country’s wider manufacturing industry. It will generate as many as 17,000 jobs during peak construction. After start-up it will support more than 400 jobs and provide 3 trillion Won in added value to the economy.

Shaheen will significantly improve the stable supply of petrochemical feedstock and more than double ethylene production capacity in Ulsan. It will also supply monomer products through a pipeline to adjacent downstream olefin-processing businesses.

We remind, Saudi Aramco’s majority owned S-Oil Corp. has let a contract to Lummus Technology LLC to deliver the first commercial deployment of a new crude-to-chemicals process technology for a massive petrochemical expansion at the operator’s 669,000-b/d integrated refining complex in Ulsan, South Korea.

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