Iranian Petchem Develops New Polyethylene Grade

Arya Sasol Polymer Company successfully developed a new medium-density polyethylene grade for the production of drip irrigation tape, marking a first in the country. The new grade, designed specifically for manufacturing irrigation tape, has been successfully tested and will soon be added to the company’s product portfolio.

Mostafa Ranjbar, head of the polymer units process at Arya Sasol Polymer Company, highlighted the superior quality of the new grade, which rivals international equivalents. He noted that the product enables the production of irrigation tape at speeds exceeding 300 meters per minute, improves downstream industry efficiency, and reduces raw material consumption. These advancements were achieved through the efforts of the company’s specialists.

Ranjbar emphasized the global push to reduce the use of fossil-based plastics and its positive environmental impact. He pointed out that current drip irrigation tapes and other agricultural equipment in the country suffer from low quality, short lifespans, and poor efficiency due to the use of non-specialized grades and inadequate raw materials.

However, the newly developed grade has not only passed field tests successfully but also competes technically with international products. Addressing the water scarcity crisis, particularly in the agricultural sector, Ranjbar explained that the development of high-quality raw materials in this field enhances the efficiency of irrigation tape production. By allowing for thinner tapes, production costs are reduced while increasing the durability and lifespan of the products.

Ranjbar added that the production of this new grade fully meets domestic demand, reducing reliance on imports, and has significant export potential to neighboring countries and China. Aligned with the company’s strategy to diversify its polymer product portfolio, this development follows the successful production and commercialization of other innovative grades, with plans to continue this trajectory in the future. - Shana