Driven by current economic conditions and overcapacity for low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in the North American marketplace, The Dow Chemical Co. (www.dow.com) announced the shutdown of its Poly 2 LDPE plant in Freeport, Texas. The shutdown is expected to be completed by the end of March 2009.
“The Basic Plastics business carefully evaluated several options, but the supply-demand outlook for LDPE in North America, combined with the age, cost position and the relatively old technology of the Poly 2 plant as well as the need for additional investment do not make continued operation a viable option,” said Pieter Platteeuw, global business director, LDPE.
Dow and its affiliates continue to operate 25 polyethylene plants around the world, and remain the world’s largest producer of polyethylene.
Dow to close LDPE plant in Freeport, Texas
| By Dorothy Lozowski