Back to News

Borealis celebrates groundbreaking of new semi-commercial catalyst plant in Linz

On March 8, Borealis, a leading provider of chemical and innovative plastics solutions, celebrates the groundbreaking of a new semi-commercial plant for catalysts in Linz, Austria. With a total investment of approximately EUR 75 million the company is further expanding its innovation capabilities in plastics.

Catalysts are substances which change the reaction speed of a chemical reaction. They play an important role in the development of value adding plastics solutions. Borealis owns a proprietary revolutionary catalyst technology which is protected by 47 international patents.

Based on this technology the new plant will be used to develop new types of catalysts as well as improve processes for catalyst production. The plant will not only serve research purposes but will produce commercial batches for Borealis’ locations worldwide. Completion is scheduled for summer 2012.

“Catalysts play an essential role for the development of innovative plastics solutions,” says Alfred Stern, Borealis Senior Vice President for Innovation and Technology. “This plant enables us to develop new catalysts based on the results of basic research we do at our Innovation Centre in Porvoo, Finland. In addition, we will be able to produce semi-commercial batches for our own needs for example in the pilot plant, delivering an innovation and competitive advantage.”

“Research and innovation are core to our successful Value Creation through Innovation strategy,” underlines Borealis Chief Executive Mark Garrett. “With the new plant, we strengthen our research capabilities in the area of catalyst development and production. This investment marks a further cornerstone of our worldwide growth strategy and strengthens our market position in Europe.”

JKU establishes centre for industrial catalyst and process technology

While Borealis is expanding its research capabilities in Linz, the Johannes Kepler University (JKU) Linz has also recently established a centre for catalyst and process technology. The institute is part of the newly created department for plastics engineering which is supported by Borealis and its shareholder OMV. Over 100 students have already enrolled in the internationally unique study programme.

Largest location within the Borealis group

Ranked by employee figures, Linz is the largest site within the Borealis group. Approximately 1,200 employees are working in areas of research, development and marketing as well as in the production of melamine and fertilizer. In 2009, Borealis set a milestone in the development of the location with the inauguration of its international Innovation Headquarters. Borealis is also investing in the melamine and fertilizer businesses. Approximately EUR 145 million will be spent over the next three years to modernise and improve the profitability of the melamine and fertilizer production in Linz.

END

For further information please contact:

Kerstin Meckler, Director Communications
Tel. +43 1 22 400 389
kerstin.meckler@borealisgroup.com 

Downloads
Borealis Celebrates Groundbreaking Of New Semi Commercial Catalyst Plant In Linz English, German
Media Contact
Group Media desk
Virginia Wieser, Lena Lehner
+43 1 22 400 899 (Vienna, Austria)
media@borealisgroup.com

Latest News

Media Release – 27/09/2023

Borealis appoints Britta Warnke Vice President Energy and Shanila Baseley Vice President Mobility and Advanced Products as of 1 September 2023

Read more

Media Release – 26/09/2023

Executive Vice President Lucrèce Foufopoulos-De Ridder to leave Borealis

Read more

Media Release – 18/09/2023

New Material Recovery Facility Opened in Banyuwangi Under Project STOP’s Expansion Program

Read more

News – 31/08/2023

All Borealis polyolefin and polyolefin compounding sites in Europe ISCC PLUS certified

Read more

Media Release – 04/08/2023

Project STOP Jembrana Hands Over the Program to the Local Government

Read more

Media Release – 14/07/2023

Borealis Scientific Innovation Award open for submissions

Read more

News – 13/07/2023

Borealis supports program to restore drinking water infrastructure in Beira, Mozambique after Cyclone Idai

Read more

Media Release – 11/07/2023

Borealis completes Stenungsund cracker furnace revamp, elevating plant to higher energy efficiency and process safety standards

Read more

Case Study – 05/07/2023

Borealis completes the sale of its nitrogen business to AGROFERT

Read more