SIBUR launches advanced polyethylene for blown film applications, eyes Turkish market expansion

RUSSIA – SIBUR, Russia’s leading petrochemicals company and the largest producer of polymers and synthetic rubbers in the country, has introduced a new, high-performance grade of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) tailored specifically for blown film applications.

This strategic development is aimed at boosting SIBUR’s market share in the flexible packaging sector, with a particular focus on Turkey, one of the region’s most dynamic markets for plastic packaging.

The newly launched LLDPE features integrated slip and antiblock additives, streamlining the film production process by eliminating the need for external modifiers.

These additives improve surface smoothness, reduce friction, and prevent film layers from sticking together during winding and storage.

As a result, the polymer enables high-speed packaging lines to operate with enhanced efficiency, while also improving roll stability during transport.

SIBUR confirmed that the new material has undergone successful industrial trials with leading Turkish film producers and is now ready for full-scale commercial rollout.

The development reflects a broader trend in the packaging industry toward specialty materials that offer both cost efficiency and elevated performance.

It also supports Turkey’s growing demand for technically advanced films used in food packaging, agriculture, and consumer products.

The company emphasized that this innovation aligns with its broader commitment to advancing flexible packaging technologies.

“By embedding key additives directly into the polymer matrix, we’re helping processors cut production costs, reduce energy consumption, and improve end-product quality,” SIBUR noted in its official release.

This move is expected to expand SIBUR’s export potential and reinforce the role of Russian polymers in the global packaging value chain.

It also provides new growth opportunities for Russian film converters, enabling them to produce and supply high-quality blown films for international markets, especially Turkey, a country that has emerged as a regional hub for plastic film production and packaging exports.

This development comes amid rising demand for specialty polyethylene solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

In parallel, the flexible packaging industry is also experiencing increased pressure to improve sustainability and cost efficiency, prompting material suppliers like SIBUR to innovate in their product portfolios.

Industry analysts believe SIBUR’s move could intensify competition with regional producers such as SABIC and Borealis, particularly in markets like Turkey where quality, logistics, and pricing remain key differentiators.

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