Nova restarts Ontario LDPE plant

After more than a year, Nova Chemicals Corporation has restarted its low-density polyethylene (LDPE) facility in Mooretown, Ont.

The Mooretown facility produces both high-density and low-density polyethylene resins that are used in consumer goods such as shrink wrap, food packaging, drums, heavy-duty sacks, protective packaging, gas containers, and caps and closures.

The Mooretown unit suffered an unplanned shutdown in late 2011 but had been operating with lower production rates following interim repairs. “We are pleased to have our LDPE facility fully restored allowing us to return to the LDPE market,” said Chris Bezaire, Nova’s senior vice president, polyethylene business. “During the period between the incident in late 2011 and now, we committed resources and capital to not only rebuild the reactor, but also enhance our ability to operate more safely and reliably, with a streamlined product slate to better serve our customers.”

According to Calgary-based Nova, growth in the LDPE market is part of NOVA 2020, the company’s long-term asset strategy to capitalize on emerging feedstock opportunities and growing North American demand.