Start-up phase begins at Montreal polymer plant

PTT PolyCanada LP announced that construction of the first world-scale polytrimethylene (PTT) polymer plant is completed and start-up is underway. Production is expected to begin at the plant in the fourth quarter of 2004.
PTT PolyCanada will be the first world-scale plant to produce a new material called Corterra polymer, a thermoplastic polymer derived from 1,3-propanediol (PDO)*** and terephthalic acid and can be spun into both fibres and yarns. Corterra is a trademark of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group.
PTT PolyCanada is a 50/50 limited partnership of Shell Chemicals Canada Ltd and Investissements Petrochimie (2080) Inc (a subsidiary of SGF Chimie, a Quebec economic development agency).
“There hasn’t been a new polymer commercially available for fibre applications in 40 years,” says Stan Park, vice president of PDO/PTT for Shell Chemical LP. “Corterra polymer combines some of the best qualities of nylon and polyester in one material. Each day customers are finding new applications for it, like car seats, sportswear, toothbrushes and powder puffs."
Located in the industrial zone of Montreal, the new plant has a capacity of 95,000 metric tons a year of polymer. Its output is primarily targeted for the carpet and textile market in North America. The project value is estimated at over US$100 million.