SIBUR localises catalytic system required for polyethylene production

May 19, 2026. ZapSibNeftekhim is introducing a fully domestic, next‑generation catalytic system required for 100% localisation of production of advanced polyethylene grades. The project was implemented by SIBUR scientists in partnership with Russian research and industrial companies and became one of the first examples – in more than 30 years in Russia – of creating an in‑house solution in which the catalyst and the process equipment for its use are developed as a single integrated system.

The project was completed in three years. At the first stage, researchers from the SIBUR Innovation R&D Centre, together with a Russian manufacturer, developed a proprietary catalyst: an ion‑exchange resin comparable in efficiency to foreign analogues. Then another domestic partner created special process packing and integrated the catalytic component into it. As a result, a fully localised system was formed, combining the chemical and engineering parts of the solution.

The value of the project lies not only in replacing an imported analogue, but also in building domestic competence in Russia in complex catalytic systems that are critically important for modern petrochemistry. Until now, such solutions had been supplied exclusively by foreign companies.

The developed catalytic system is used in processing a C4 fraction and ensures high efficiency of converting isobutylene into methyl tert‑butyl ether (MTBE), creating the conditions for more efficient extraction of butene‑1, one of the key comonomers for producing advanced polyethylene grades with increased strength and durability. Such materials are used in food packaging, medical products, water supply pipes, cable insulation, agriculture and urban infrastructure. The efficiency of this technology has a direct impact on the volumes and quality of polymers produced, and therefore on the stability of production of materials used every day by millions of people.

A significant share of Russia’s advanced polyethylene grades, including linear polyethylene for packaging, utilities and infrastructure, is produced at SIBUR’s Tobolsk site. Therefore, the efficiency of individual process units at the complex has a direct effect on the resilience of the entire domestic basic polymers market.

Replacement of the equipment at ZapSibNeftekhim is scheduled for summer 2026. This is a complex technological operation that requires strict control of process conditions and the involvement of specialists from the equipment manufacturer. The full cycle of work will take about 10 days.

SIBUR is consistently building its own competencies in catalysts and process systems and plans to achieve independence in this area by 2030. The Company is implementing joint projects with research and industrial partners aimed at creating a full cycle for the development and industrial application of sophisticated catalytic solutions. This helps reduce dependence on external supplies and increase the resilience of production of basic materials for the Russian economy.