Sinopec Expands Specialty PVOH Capacity in Chongqing

Sinopec announced on July 17 the commissioning of 50,000 metric tons/year of new specialty polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) capacity in Chongqing, bringing the site’s total PVOH capacity to 210,000 metric tons/year and expanding its capabilities in specialty grades.

What makes PVOH interesting is its unusual combination of properties—a one-two-three punch of water solubility, strong barrier performance and biodegradability under appropriate conditions. That combination has opened the door to a surprisingly broad range of applications, from laundry and dishwasher pods to water-soluble labels and packaging, agricultural unit doses, seed coatings and 3D-printing support materials.

Sinopec’s investment is a good reminder that the PVOH story isn’t just about adding capacity. Increasingly, it’s about performance and finding new applications for a remarkably versatile polymer.

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