The ‘no-frills’ PP and PE supplier is breaking into new markets

Internet-based polymer supplier Alastian is looking to roll out its “no-frills” approach to purchasing to Russia, Ukraine and India. The concept has seen success in Europe since it was set up by polyolefin manufacturer Basell in 2004. Last year Alastian was launched in the US and Turkey (PRW.com 25 Aug 2005).

Just In 't Velt, head of Alastian business development and marketing, told PRW.com that Basell’s new owner, Access Industries’ chairman and founder Len Blavatnik, has good links with the Russian market. “Blavatnik owns a big Russian oil company so he is very interested in us expanding in Russia,” he said. The company is now investigating the logistic and legal framework needed to supply customers in Russia and Ukraine.

“We would like to repeat what we did in Turkey,” In 't Velt said. Key elements in the success of Alastian include having a source of polymers near to customers, to keep the transport costs down, and having the website translated for the local markets. In 't Velt said interest in Alastian at last month’s PlastIndia show was “intense”, and he saw good potential for expansion. “Basell has lots of joint ventures in India so we see opportunities there. They are also more ready for the internet.”