Rompetrol Rafinare, the operator of Romania’s only petrochemical division, has started production of a new polymer grade - Polypropylene Random Copolymer, the result of a strategic technological process designed to diversify the company’s product portfolio and meet the growing demand from the automotive and food industries.
“By developing this new grade, we are responding to the increasing demand for premium polymers on both the Romanian and regional markets. It is a major step forward for our company and will bring significant progress to the country’s only petrochemical division, providing real support to Romania’s major industry sectors,” stated Sorin Graure, General Manager of Rompetrol Rafinare.
The copolymer is produced in the Polypropylene (PP) unit, which required a series of major technical adaptations and reconfigurations. The process included detailed equipment configuration, system testing, and adjustments, ensuring that production parameters were optimized for the new product while maintaining high-quality standards.
To produce the copolymer, the unit uses the classic raw material - propylene - to which ethylene is added in variable proportions, depending on the grade and final application. The inclusion of ethylene (a higher‑quality raw material available exclusively through imports) requires a high level of attention and expertise from the unit’s dedicated personnel, as precise calibration of the raw material is essential to obtain a compliant product.
The new grade stands out from the polymers produced on a recurring basis by offering enhanced physical and mechanical properties, particularly at low temperatures. These superior characteristics make it suitable for applications with demanding technical requirements.
The automotive industry is the main consumer, using the copolymer to manufacture products that require high resistance and flexibility. Significant volumes are also used in the food industry and in specialized applications requiring advanced technical properties.
In the food sector, this type of grade is used for boxes, trays, and packaging intended for refrigerated products. Both the copolymer and the other grades produced by Rompetrol Rafinare and used by manufacturers comply with all EU food safety regulations.
Additionally, the copolymer is used in the production of general‑purpose injection‑molded items - where an optimal balance between rigidity and flexibility is required - as well as in the manufacturing of caps and closure systems for packaging.
During the initial production tests conducted at the end of February, the unit produced approximately 187 tons of copolymer, with annual production estimated at 11,000 tons.
In 2025, the petrochemical division processed 114 thousand tons of raw materials (propylene and ethylene), an increase compared to 2024, driven by the restart of the low‑density polyethylene (LDPE) unit after a one‑and‑a‑half‑year shutdown.
As a result, total polymer production in 2025 reached 85 thousand tons, most of which was supplied to the domestic market, ensuring optimized operations that balanced customer demand and improved financial performance.
As the only producer of polypropylene and polyethylene in Romania, the petrochemical division continued to secure the necessary raw material flows for downstream industries, supporting numerous branches of national manufacturing.
Through this project, Rompetrol Rafinare strengthens its position in the petrochemical market and reaffirms its commitment to developing innovative products tailored to the industry's current needs.
The main shareholders of Rompetrol Rafinare are KMG International (54.63% - direct and indirect) and the Romanian State, through the Ministry of Energy (44.7%).
Corporate Communication and Public Relations
KMG International