Repsol SA has announced a €32-million ($38-million) investment to upgrade one of the units at its industrial complex in Tarragona so it can produce advanced polymers with high resistance to impact. The upgrade includes the installation of a new reactor at one of the complex’s polypropylene (PP) production units. The revamp is expected to be completed in 2023 and make the plant the first in the region that can manufacture such polymers.
According to Repsol, the new polymer products will have extraordinary resistance to impacts and are suitable for automotive application. The new product will also be lighter than conventional polymers, which will help automakers to design more efficient vehicles with a lower carbon footprint. Repsol also said that the new polymers could also be useful to manufacture suitcases, sports equipment, and large battery casings.
