Ineos Aromatics modernizes PTA facility in Merak, Indonesia

Ineos Aromatics has completed a $70 million modernisation of its purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant in Merak, Indonesia, that significantly reduces emissions and increases capacity, supporting the competitiveness and growth of the Indonesian polyester industry.

The installation of a larger oxidation reactor, reconfiguration of the reactor’s heat recovery system and revamp of the process air compressor train will both reduce CO2 emissions per ton by 15% and increase the site capacity by 15%, from 500,000 tons to 575,000 tons per annum. PTA is used by the polyester industry to produce items for home and businesses such as clothes, furniture, food & drink packaging and other industrial uses.

The investment will also improve the reliability and competitiveness of the plant, increasing the availability of PTA for the Indonesian market and the use of local content in fabric produced in the country. “The Ineos Aromatics facility in Merak has played an important role in the Indonesia polyester industry for some time. This new, multi-million-dollar investment shows our commitment to its future growth,’ says Frank Yang, President Director, Ineos Aromatics Indonesia. ‘It also continues Ineos Aromatics’ tradition of deploying technology that helps lead the polyester industry to a more sustainable future,’ he adds. ‘It supports the group’s commitment to producing essential products while reducing emissions to net zero by 2050.’

The plant modernization was completed safely amidst the Covid-19 pandemic that affected the movement of people and materials during the process. The Merak plant has been operating for nearly 25 years and is a major PTA supplier in Indonesia. It became part of Ineos, as part of its $5 billion acquisition of the bp petrochemicals business in January 2021, extending both its portfolio and geographical reach.

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