April 30, 2025 – A New Chapter Unfolds: Chinese – Developed TPO Waterproofing Material Sets Sail for Europe
A journey laden with China’s chemical innovation achievements recently kicked off. On April 27, a truck loaded with 24 tons of thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) waterproofing membrane special material rolled out of the Sinopec – SK Petrochemical Co., Ltd. plant, heading towards the freight port and set to cross the ocean on its way to the European market.
This TPO waterproofing membrane special material, independently developed by Sinopec – SK Petrochemical, is poised to play a pivotal role in a waterproof roofing project in a European country. It not only marks China’s first breakthrough in replacing imports in the field of TPO waterproofing membrane raw materials but also stands as the first product from Sinopec – SK Petrochemical to successfully enter the European market since the company went into operation in 2013. According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, this achievement is of great significance, representing a crucial step for Chinese chemical products on the international stage.
Thermoplastic polyolefin waterproofing membranes are among the top – tier products in the new waterproofing materials category. Thanks to their outstanding weather resistance, robust crack resistance, wide temperature adaptability, long service life, as well as environmental friendliness, aesthetic appeal, and ease of construction, they have become the ideal choice for waterproofing layers in projects such as roofs, basements, and tunnels. Some high – end products are also suitable for special scenarios like integrated waterproofing for photovoltaic roofs and cold – chain logistics warehouses, and are widely used in developed countries in Europe and America. However, in the past, the raw materials for this material were long monopolized by multinational enterprises from the United States, Germany, and other countries, forcing China to rely on imports for high – end construction projects.
Going back to 2016, Sinopec – SK Petrochemical joined hands with the Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Industry to embark on a technical research journey. After three years of arduous efforts, they successfully achieved stable production with a high rubber phase content. Since 2022, the production volume has been doubling year by year, and it is expected to reach 25,000 tons this year. Hu Junwu, the head of the market operation department of Sinopec – SK Petrochemical, introduced that this product is independently developed in China. Through special formula adjustments, it not only has a high rubber phase content, extremely soft texture, excellent impact resistance, and a low coefficient of thermal expansion but can also adapt to various harsh climatic conditions. What’s more, the product is free of plasticizers and can be recycled, combining both performance and environmental advantages.
Six – year roof sampling test data is highly persuasive. The product has performed remarkably well in roof waterproofing, with the retention rate of core indicators always remaining above 90%. Even in extreme weather conditions, its service life can reach up to 30 years. Currently, this product has been applied in projects such as the roof of the Xiong’an Sports Center in the Xiong’an New Area, the roof of the four – line inspection shed extension of the Xiong’an EMU Depot, the Hainan Convention and Exhibition Center, and in Xinjiang. It has successfully withstood the test of a huge temperature difference of plus and minus 70 degrees Celsius.
Facing the recent domestic situation of capacity expansion and low operating rates of petrochemical downstream enterprises, Sinopec – SK Ethylene has collaborated closely with the Central China Branch of Sinopec Marketing Co., Ltd. to actively explore the international market. This special material has successfully passed the internationally recognized Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) certification and the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) certification in the European Union. With its performance indicators rivaling international advanced levels, it has opened the door to the European market. Wu Xi, the head of Central China Chemical Sales, excitedly stated, “The transition from relying on imports to achieving exports is truly inspiring.” It is reported that European customers are highly likely to place repeat orders, and multinational leading enterprises are already in talks regarding procurement, indicating a promising future.