SK Group breaks ground on biobased PBAT, PBS, and THF plant in Vietnam

In Vietnam, SK Group’s chemical division has broken ground on a VND11.8-trillion ($90.3-million) facility to produce biobased polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutylene succinate, and tetrahydrofuran.

The new plant at Hai Phong City will produce 70,000 metric tons of PBAT, 59,500 metric tons of PBS, and 6,300 metric tons of THF. PBAT and PBS are bioplastics, while THF is used as a solvent. Once online, the site will be the world’s largest producer of PBAT, according to NS Packaging. The plant is expected to begin operations in summer of 2025, and SKC has bought land nearby in anticipation of further capacity expansions.

SKC is also developing grades of PBAT with nanocellulose for increased strength for textile and nonwovens applications. Currently available grades of PBAT are often used for food packaging films and shopping bags.