June 30, 2025 -
Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Breaks New Ground with Ethylene-Propylene Rubber Production
In a significant leap for China’s specialty chemicals sector, Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Yan’an Energy & Chemical Co., Ltd. (Yaneng Chemical) has achieved full-capacity operation of its ethylene-propylene rubber (EPR) production line, establishing itself as the first enterprise in Northwest China to master this advanced synthetic rubber technology. With an annual output of 25,000 tons, this milestone underscores China’s growing prowess in high-end synthetic materials.
Launched in 2015, the EPR project faced formidable challenges, including international technical barriers and operational hurdles. Yaneng Chemical’s R&D team implemented over 150 process optimizations to resolve critical issues such as polymerization instability and pipeline clogging. After achieving stable full-load production in July 2024, the facility passed performance evaluations in October, with its products now being used in premium applications like lubricant additives and cable insulation.
“We are preparing to break ground on a second production line, targeting completion by 2026,” said Liu Tao, Deputy General Manager of Yaneng Chemical. The company aims to expand total EPR capacity to 75,000 tons annually during China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period, alongside new projects in methyl methacrylate (MMA) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), positioning itself as a key player in Northwest China’s high-end chemical materials market.
Innovation has been central to Yaneng Chemical’s success, with 40 patents secured and over 30 specialized product grades developed. Its food-grade polypropylene and medical-grade materials have gained strong market acceptance. Looking ahead, the company is diversifying into carbonyl-based fine chemicals, signaling a strategic shift from conventional polyolefins to higher-value products—a move set to bolster both its competitiveness and China’s broader advanced materials industry.