History

1953-1954
Predecessor company scientists Karl Ziegler and Giulio Natta make breakthrough discoveries in the creation of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). PE and PP resins are used today to make numerous products, including automobile parts, surgical gowns, children’s toys, wind turbines and water pipes. They were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1963.

1955
Hoechst, a predecessor company, initiated industrial-scale production of PE in Frankfurt, Germany.

1969
Predecessor company, Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO), develops the PO/TBA process (propylene oxide with tertiary butyl alcohol as the co-product). PO is used in numerous applications including bedding, furniture, carpets and car seats. TBA and its derivatives, which includes oxyfuels, are used in high octane gasoline blending components, synthetic rubber and lubricant additives.

1975
First Hostalen high density polyethylene (HDPE) process plant starts up.

1982
Spheripol process, currently the most widely used polyolefins process technology, first introduced by predecessor company Montedison.

2001
Basell completes start-up of the world’s largest low density polyethylene plant (LDPE) in Berre, France, with a single line capacity of 320,000 tons per year.

2017
LyondellBasell begins construction of the first commercial Hyperzone PE plant in La Porte, Texas, utilizing the company’s new proprietary technology. HDPE plastics produced using the Hyperzone PE process technology exhibit enhanced characteristics including superior toughness properties that make end-use products less likely to break or tear. Potential end-use products include healthcare packaging, high pressure pipe, children’s toys, household bottles and intermediate bulk containers.

2018
LyondellBasell completed the acquisition of A. Schulman, Inc., a leading global supplier of high-performance plastic compounds, composites and powders. The acquisition more than doubled LyondellBasell's existing compounding business and broadened the company's reach into growing, high-margin end markets such as automotive, construction materials, electronic goods and packaging.

LyondellBasell marked a significant milestone in the company’s by breaking ground on the largest propylene oxide and tertiary butyl alcohol (PO/TBA) plant in the world. The project is the single largest capital investment that either LyondellBasell or its predecessor companies have ever embarked on.