In the high-end polybutene-1 (PB-1) market, where performance and price have long been a balancing act, Sinopec’s domestic PB-1 has broken the mold. Leveraging its innovative liquid-phase bulk polymerization process and the advantages of domestic butene-1 raw materials, it has achieved a 15%-20% reduction in unit costs compared to similar products. This cost breakthrough not only makes high-performance PB-1 more accessible to industries but also reshapes the global competitive landscape of polyolefin materials.

Two Core Advantages: Crafting a "Cost Reduction Formula"

The cost competitiveness of Sinopec’s PB-1 stems from a "dual-engine drive" of process innovation and raw material localization—each link in the value chain contributes to tangible cost savings.

1. Liquid-Phase Bulk Polymerization: Cutting Process Costs at the Source

Traditional PB-1 production relies heavily on the solution polymerization method, which requires large amounts of organic solvents (such as hexane) for monomer dilution and product separation. This not only increases raw material consumption but also adds energy-intensive solvent recovery steps. Data shows that solvent-related costs account for 18%-22% of total production costs in conventional processes.

Sinopec’s self-developed liquid-phase bulk polymerization process eliminates the need for solvents entirely. By optimizing reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, catalyst efficiency), monomers are polymerized directly in a molten state, reducing three key cost drivers:

· Raw material costs: Solvent procurement and recycling costs are cut by 100%, saving 800-1,200 yuan per ton.

· Energy consumption: The process reduces heating and cooling cycles by 30%, lowering energy costs by 15% (equivalent to 300-500 yuan per ton).

· Waste treatment: Eliminating solvent emissions reduces environmental protection investment by 20%, further trimming operational expenses.

2. Domestic Butene-1: Anchoring Raw Material Cost Advantages

As the core raw material for PB-1, the price and supply stability of butene-1 directly affect production costs. For a long time, international PB-1 manufacturers have relied on imported butene-1, facing high transportation fees, tariffs, and exchange rate fluctuations—costs that typically add 10%-15% to the final product price.

Sinopec, however, benefits from China’s mature olefin industry chain. Its PB-1 production bases (such as Zhenhai Refining & Chemical) are strategically located near large-scale ethylene plants, enabling direct access to domestically produced butene-1. This localization brings three advantages:

· Price stability: Domestic butene-1 prices are 8%-12% lower than imported equivalents, with smaller fluctuations (annual volatility within 5% vs. 10%-15% for imports).

· Logistics savings: Short-distance transportation cuts delivery costs by 300-500 yuan per ton compared to overseas shipments.

· Supply security: Backed by Sinopec’s integrated refining and chemical system, butene-1 supply remains stable even amid global supply chain disruptions, avoiding production halts due to material shortages.

From Cost Reduction to Value Enhancement: Real-World Impact

The 15%-20% unit cost advantage translates into tangible benefits for downstream industries, creating a win-win scenario across the supply chain.

· Piping manufacturers: A Shandong-based enterprise producing 10,000 tons of PB-1 pipes annually reported that switching to Sinopec’s PB-1 reduced raw material costs by 12 million yuan per year. With the same budget, it expanded production capacity by 18%, capturing more market share in the northern heating pipe market.

· Construction projects: In a "coal-to-gas" renovation project in Hebei, using Sinopec’s PB-1 pipes lowered the overall material cost by 15%, allowing the project to cover 20% more households within the original budget.

· Export competitiveness: A Zhejiang trader noted that Sinopec’s PB-1, with its cost advantage, has gained a 12% market share in Southeast Asia, undercutting imported products while maintaining equivalent quality.

Independent Innovation: The Foundation of Sustainable Cost Advantages

This cost leadership is not achieved through "compromising quality for price" but through technological breakthroughs. Sinopec’s liquid-phase bulk polymerization process, developed over 11 years of R&D, has been validated in its 3,000-ton/year industrial demonstration plant, with 28 national patents ensuring independent control over core technologies.

Compared to imported PB-1, Sinopec’s product not only matches performance metrics (e.g., -40℃ impact strength, 80℃ stress crack resistance) but also offers greater flexibility. By adjusting the polymerization process, it can tailor products for specific industries (e.g., high-flow pipes, thin-film materials) without significant cost increases—something international brands struggle to do due to rigid production lines.