LyondellBasell and Covestro have jointly decided to permanently close the Propylene Oxide Styrene Monomer (POSM) production unit (PO11) at the Maasvlakte site in the Netherlands. This decision comes after thorough and careful consideration and is driven by the continued pressure on Maasvlakte’s profitability due to global overcapacities, a strong increase of imports from Asia, and high costs of European production. Unfortunately, this situation is expected to persist, making long-term profitable production unfeasible.

The Maasvlakte site, a joint venture between LyondellBasell and Covestro, has been operational in the Rotterdam region since 2003. Between now and the end of 2026, LyondellBasell will oversee the safe shutdown and prepare the demolition of the asset.

• Covestro AG, Essen, Germany
• LyondellBasell, Rotterdam, the Netherlands