Mitsui Chemicals and China Petroleum & Chemical have announced the startup of one of the world’s largest EPT (ethylene-propylene-dieneterpolymer) plant for a single train under their joint venture, Shanghai Sinopec Mitsui Elastomers. EPT, which has superior resistance to heat and cold, UV rays, and chemicals, in addition to good electric insulation and other exceptional properties, is widely used in automotive parts (glass run channel, weatherstripping, etc.), electric cables, and other industrial materials.
With the rapid growth of the Chinese automotive industry and expansion of its social infrastructure (railways, etc.), the demand for EPT has increased significantly. Commencement of full scale commercial operation of the plant will provide the Chinese market with superior quality, performance-driven functional materials backed by extensive technical services. The joint venture’s EPT plant will stably supply superior quality EPT to meet the growing needs in the Chinese market.