thyssenkrupp Uhde, through its subsidiary Uhde Inventa-Fischer, has entered into a Letter of Intent with the Turkish packaging producer Köksan for the delivery of two new PET production plants. The first facility will be constructed in Gaziantep, Türkiye, while the second, in partnership with Al Mutahida Packaging, will be located in Babylon, Iraq. Each plant is designed with an annual production capacity of 324,000 tons of PET resin, suitable for a broad range of packaging applications as well as bulk continuous filament (BCF) production. The projects are scheduled for completion and commissioning in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
The new plants will utilize the Melt-To-Resin (MTR) process, a patented technology developed by Uhde Inventa-Fischer. This process is recognized for its ability to streamline PET resin production by eliminating the need for traditional solid-state post-condensation steps. As a result, the MTR process offers significant energy savings, reduced investment, lower operational and maintenance costs, and a higher yield of raw materials compared to conventional PET manufacturing technologies. The technology is also designed to address the increasing demand for sustainability in the plastics industry, reducing the carbon footprint associated with fuel and electricity consumption by up to 30 percent.
Expanding market reach and technological leadership
With these investments, Köksan aims to strengthen its position in both domestic and regional markets. The PET resin produced at the new facilities will be supplied not only to local customers but also to markets across the Middle East, the Americas, Europe, and Africa. This expansion is expected to enhance the company's ability to meet diverse customer requirements and respond to global demand for high-quality PET materials.
Nadja Håkansson, CEO of thyssenkrupp Uhde, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating, “We are very proud that Köksan and Al Mutahida Packaging have chosen us to build two more state-of-the-art PET plants. Our well-proven MTR process demonstrates that our technologies deliver economic and environmental advantages at the same time, combining reduced energy consumption and higher yield with lower CAPEX and OPEX.” She also highlighted that thyssenkrupp Uhde’s scope of work includes providing the license, basic and detailed engineering, and supplying all major plant equipment. Additionally, Köksan’s operating personnel will receive training from thyssenkrupp Uhde specialists.
M. Murat Kökoğlu, CEO of Köksan, expressed satisfaction with the ongoing partnership, noting, “We are very happy to announce these further projects together with Uhde Inventa-Fischer, as already the first and second production line in Gaziantep deliver excellent performance and product quality continuously.”
Technical features of the MTR process
The MTR process is based on a two-reactor technology, utilizing the patented Espree and Discage reactors to achieve the desired high melt viscosities required for PET resin applications. This continuous polycondensation approach not only simplifies the production process but also contributes to operational efficiency and environmental performance. By reducing the number of process steps and optimizing energy usage, the technology supports the industry's transition toward more sustainable manufacturing practices.
With the implementation of these advanced PET plants, Köksan and its partners are set to play a significant role in the evolving landscape of the global plastics and packaging market, leveraging innovative technology to deliver both economic and environmental benefits.
