OREANDA-NEWS.  Novokuybyshevsk (Samara Region), 26 May 2014. BIAXPLEN, part of SIBUR Holding, launched a new biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film production line in Novokuybyshevsk. The formal ceremony was attended by Nikolay Merkushkin, Governor of the Samara Region, Leonid Mikhelson, Chairman of SIBUR Holding's Board of Directors, Dmitry Konov, SIBUR's CEO, and other senior executives of the Company.

Due to the barrier, optical, physical and mechanical properties of BOPP films, they are widely used for packaging various products in the food and tobacco industries, manufacturing PET bottle labels, packaging industrial and consumer goods, as well as for lamination processes.

Following the launch of the new 30.5 ktpa production line manufactured by Brückner Maschinenbau, a German company, BOPP-film annual nameplate production capacity of BIAXPLEN's Novokuybyshevsk branch increased to 55.5 kt.

Investment in the project exceeded RR 1.9 billion. The BOPP-film production in Novokuybyshevsk created over 100 new jobs.

According to Market Report Company, in 2013 BOPP-film consumption in Russia totaled 130 kt, with demand for this product rising by an average of 4–5% per year. The new line will enable BIAXPLEN to boost supplies of innovative 5-layer films to the Russian and European markets (Italy, Poland, Germany, France, Turkey, etc.) and expand the volume of SIBUR's own polypropylene deep processing.

Nikolay Merkushkin, Governor of the Samara Region, said: “The launch of the new production facility is a key milestone landmark, not only for Novokuybyshevsk, but for the whole Samara Region as well. SIBUR's management team are working hard to develop the Novokuybyshevsk site, commissioning modern production facilities, which will be used for the next 20–30 years.”

"Launch of the new production facility will enable SIBUR to increase the production of high value-added products for import substitution, reinforcing the Company’s position in one of the most rapidly-growing markets of packaging materials,” – said Leonid Mikhelson.