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Propylene

A strong global supply position

Propylene is typically obtained via two main routes: either as a co-product of the refinery catalytic cracking process used to make gasoline or as a co-product of the steam cracking process used to make ethylene. Shell chemicals companies operate large scale manufacturing locations around the world employing both processes. As a result, we have strong global supply capabilities, allied with a strong manufacturing technology and cost position.

How is propylene used?

Examples of propylene's numerous end uses include automobile components, carpets, CDs, clear film food wrap, eyeglasses, polyurethane foams, impact-resistant and bullet-proof windows, moulded plastic goods such as buckets, nitrile rubber hoses, paints and protective coatings, grocery bags, synthetic fibres, watercooler bottles, and wood products such as plywood.

Propylene's manufacture and uses: more information

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Did you know?
More than 60% of the world's production of propylene is used to make polypropylene. Since its invention in 1954, polypropylene has grown into one of the most widely- used and versatile products of the petrochemical industry.

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Improved logistics in the pipeline

A multi-partner
200 million
Euro project
will result in
a new propylene
pipeline linking Rotterdam to
the Ruhr.

Material Safety
Data Sheets

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