Sinopec to Build BPA and PC JV Plant with Japanese Partner      

Following the approval by the National Development and Reform Commission, Sinopec Corp. and PCR Investments Japan Corporation are ready for a 150 000 t/a bisphenol A (BPA) and 60 000 t/a polycarbonate (PC) joint venture plant, located in Fangshan, Beijing where the famous refinery Sinopec Beijing Yanhua Petrochemical Company Ltd. is seated.
   PCR Investment Japan Corporation, an investment company, was formed by Mitsubishi Chemical and Mitsubishi Engineering-Plastics Corporation (MEP) in Japan in February 2008. Sinopec Corp. and PCR Investment Japan Corporation will jointly operate the BPA and PC plant in Fangshan with each holding 50% stake.
   Sinopec Beijing Yanhua Petrochemical will provide phenol, the raw material of BPA, and acetone and utilities for the BPA and PC joint venture plant. Mitsubishi Chemical will supply diphenyl carbonate (DPC), the raw material for PC, and also license BPA and PC manufacturing technologies.
   The BPA and PC manufacturing facility is expected to be completed in early 2010.
   Sinopec Corp. and Mitsubishi Chemical has operated a 120 000 t/a BPA plant in Shanghai Chemical Industry Park since August 2008. Both sides have established a strategic business partnership to use respective advantages in technologies, market, and materials in order to speed up business activities. (CCR2009 No. 13, 2008 No. 33)