Supplying butadiene from a strong global base
Shell chemicals companies are the largest global butadiene producers, with production facilities in both North America and Europe. Shell's involvement in the butadiene sector expanded in 2004, with the start-up of a joint venture plant, Sabina (in partnership with BASF and Atofina) in Port Arthur, Texas.
Shell chemicals companies are recognised as leading suppliers of product stewardship support. This includes advice on best practices in handling butadiene.
What are the end-uses of butadiene?
Butadiene is used primarily as a monomer in the production of a wide range of polymers and co-polymers. It is also used in the production of several intermediate chemicals.
The largest single use for butadiene is in the production of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) which, in turn, is principally used in the manufacture of tyres. Other familiar products that are derived from butadiene include telephones, computer casings, carpet backings, nitrile rubber hoses, footwear, road surfaces and neoprene items, like wetsuits.
Link to more information on butadiene's production and end uses
