Leading suppliers of a chemicals cornerstone
Shell chemicals companies are among the leading producers of ethylene, one of the cornerstone products of the chemicals industry. We operate from a strong manufacturing technology and cost position, with world-scale manufacturing facilities in key locations. Other advantages include a strong logistics systems, particularly in Northern Europe and the US Gulf Coast.
Which products are made from ethylene?
Polyethylene accounts for more than 50% of world ethylene demand. The primary use of polyethylene is in film applications for packaging, carrier bags and trash liners. Other applications include injection moulding, pipe extrusion, wire and cable sheathing and insulation, as well as extrusion coating of paper and cardboard.
Shell chemicals companies are leading producers of three other principal ethylene derivatives: ethylene oxide, styrene monomer (via ethyl benzene) and linear higher olefins.
Ethylene oxide is a key raw material in the production of surfactants and detergents. It is also used to manufacture ethylene glycols, which are in turn used in soft drinks and food packaging and textiles, and to make ethylene oxide glycol ether solvents.
Styrene monomer is used principally in polystyrene for packaging and insulation, as well as in styrene butadiene rubber for tyres and footwear.
Linear higher olefins are used as base materials for the manufacture of detergents, plasticisers, synthetic lubricants and additives, but also as comonomers in the production of polyethylenes.
