Shaw Group and Total Petrochemicals form plastics partnership

The Shaw Group says it has reached a deal with Total Petrochemicals to jointly market and license Total Petrochemicals’ polystyrene technology on a worldwide basis. Polystyrene is a standard plastic primarily used in packaging, appliances and electronics. Shaw has had a similar alliance with Total Petrochemicals for styrene monomer, a primary feedstock for polystyrene, for the past 15 years. “Shaw will assist both existing licensees and potential new clients in development projects for new polystyrene manufacturing facilities and modernizations to existing facilities all over the world,” says James Glass, Shaw Energy & Chemicals Group president, in a prepared release. “In addition to marketing the technology, we look forward to bringing our expertise with basic engineering packages and engineering, procurement and construction services to these projects.” Total Petrochemicals has been in the polystyrene business for more than 45 years and is among the world’s major producers of the plastic, with production facilities in the United States, Europe, Asia and the Pacific Rim. The company’s largest single production unit—also the largest of any in the world—is located in Carville. The company is headquartered in Houston.