The Maasvlakte site in the Netherlands, which is run as a joint venture, is to be closed permanently.
 

As a press release indicates, Leverkusen-based plastics group Covestro and US chemical group LyondellBasell (LYB) have decided to shut down and dismantle their joint production plant for propylene oxide/styrene monomer (PO11) after thoroughly and carefully considering the move. Due to global overcapacity, high production costs and a sharp increase in imports from Asia, the profitability of the site would be under pressure. This is not expected to change, meaning that profitable production is not expected in the longer term either. The Maasvlakte site in the greater Rotterdam area has reportedly been in operation since 2003. The plant is said to be decommissioned by the end of 2026 and demolition is being prepared.
 
‘While the decision to close the PO11 plant is difficult, we must ensure that all the plants in our portfolio are strategically viable in the long term,’ explains Aaron Ledet, Executive Vice-President I&D and Supply Chain at LYB. ‘As part of our ‘Sustainable Future’ corporate strategy, we are continuously working to optimally position Covestro to be a reliable partner for our customers and to operate competitively in a challenging market environment,’ says Hermann-Josef Dörholt, Head of the Performance Materials business unit at Covestro.
 
Sources:

• Press release Covestro (18.3.2025)
• Photo: © Covestro