ZPC Restarts EVA Manufacturing Operations in China

Zhejiang Petroleum & Chemical (ZPC) has resumed the production of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) at its Zhoushan plant in Zhejiang Province, China, on November 10 following a scheduled maintenance shutdown. The facility, with an annual capacity of 300 thousand tons of EVA, underwent maintenance starting from November 1. This marks a crucial step in the company's commitment to maintaining operational efficiency and product quality.

The journey towards the resumption of EVA production at the Zhoushan plant traces back to January of the previous year when ZPC conducted test runs on the production of EVA with a 28% content of vinyl acetate monomer (BAM). This particular formulation was designed for applications in the photovoltaic industry. The subsequent establishment of the new enterprise with a capacity of 300 thousand tons of EVA per year underscored ZPC's dedication to meeting market demands and diversifying its product portfolio.

In a significant development reported earlier, on December 28-29, 2019, ZPC achieved a milestone by receiving commercial products at the new cracking unit No. 1 in Zhoushan. This unit boasted a capacity of 1.4 thousand tons of ethylene and 900 thousand tons of propylene annually. Additionally, aromatic production facilities at the same site, with a combined capacity of 5.2 million tons per year, were inaugurated as part of the first phase of the project. These advancements reflected ZPC's strategic positioning to enhance its production capabilities and strengthen its foothold in the petrochemical industry.

Zhejiang Petrochemical, the parent company of ZPC, is a private entity engaged in the construction of a new petrochemical complex in eastern China. The company's ownership structure includes a 51% stake held by the majority shareholder of Rongsheng Petrochemical, further solidifying its ties with key players in the industry. Other stakeholders in Zhejiang Petrochemical include China's Juhua Group and Tongkun Group, reflecting a collaborative approach to business in the ever-evolving petrochemical landscape.

ZPC's resumption of EVA production at its Zhoushan plant signifies not only a recovery from scheduled maintenance but also a testament to its commitment to innovation and meeting market demands. The strategic initiatives undertaken, such as the testing of specialized EVA formulations and the expansion of production capacities, position ZPC as a key player in the petrochemical sector. As global markets, including Russia, continue to show an increased appetite for EVA, ZPC's operations play a pivotal role in shaping the industry's trajectory. Moreover, the ongoing petrochemical complex construction by Zhejiang Petrochemical underlines a forward-looking approach that aligns with the dynamic nature of the industry.