NOVA Chemicals’ SCLAIRTECH technology chosen for Polinter polyethylene capacity expansion in Venezuela

NOVA Chemicals Corporation today announced that Polinter C.A., a leading Venezuelan polyethylene manufacturer, has chosen to expand its LLDPE/HDPE polyethylene capacity utilizing NOVA Chemicals' proprietary SCLAIRTECH technology.

The capacity expansion will add 40 kilotonnes (88 million pounds) to the "El Tablazo" facility. Upon completion of the expansion in the last quarter of 2008, the facility will produce a total of 215 kilotonnes (474 million pounds) of polyethylene, using SCLAIRTECH solution-phase technology. The plant manufactures linear low-density (LLDPE) and high-density (HDPE) butene and octene copolymers.

"Polinter's choice to expand its use of NOVA Chemicals' SCLAIRTECH technology demonstrates the success it has experienced with this leading polyethylene technology," said Rocky Vermani, NOVA Chemicals' Managing Director of Licensing. "SCLAIRTECH technology delivers operational flexibility, as well as the ability to consistently manufacture a broad range of products."

Silverio Gonzalez, General Manager of Polinter said, "We chose to expand using SCLAIRTECH technology because it offers us the flexibility we need to meet a wide range of customer needs."

The world's most effective LLDPE/HDPE swing technology, NOVA Chemicals' SCLAIRTECH technology provides licensees with the process flexibility to efficiently meet dynamic polyethylene market needs. SCLAIRTECH technology delivers proven performance and consistent, high-quality resins for customers worldwide. Operating in 10 countries, SCLAIRTECH technology is used in the production of more than 2.7 million tonnes (6 billion pounds) of polyethylene resins per year.