Imagine a future where waste gases from refineries are transformed into valuable resources, revolutionizing the petrochemical industry. That future is here, and it’s being led by Bright LyondellBasell Petrochemical Co., Limited (BLYB), a joint venture between Liaoning Jincheng Petrochemical (Jincheng) and LyondellBasell. On October 30, 2025, BLYB announced a groundbreaking achievement: the successful integration of refinery ethane as a stable, high-efficiency feedstock in its ethylene cracker unit. But here’s where it gets even more exciting—this isn’t just about efficiency; it’s a bold step toward refining-petrochemical integration, optimizing resource allocation, and reducing environmental impact. And this is the part most people miss: by repurposing gases like coke oven dry gas and light hydrocarbon gas—traditionally used as fuel—BLYB is producing approximately 330,000 tons of high-quality refinery ethane annually, significantly boosting ethylene yield and cracking efficiency.
This initiative isn’t just a technical milestone; it’s a strategic move that aligns with industry trends toward lighter feedstocks and integrated production models. The refinery ethane, transported via pipeline from Jincheng’s refinery to BLYB’s adjacent ethylene plant, slashes transportation costs and minimizes losses, creating a win-win for both the environment and the economy. But here’s the controversial part: while this approach is hailed as a sustainability breakthrough, some critics argue that it still relies on fossil fuel byproducts. Is this true innovation, or just a greener shade of the same old industry? We’ll let you decide.
Jiang Changquan, Chairman of Liaoning Jincheng Petrochemical, emphasized the synergy between refining and chemical production, stating, ‘This system demonstrates the seamless integration of upstream and downstream processes, paving the way for a low-carbon, economically competitive future.’ Allen Yu, Senior Vice President of Polyolefins at LyondellBasell Asia Pacific, highlighted BLYB’s role as a sustainability leader, noting, ‘By leveraging refinery ethane, we’re not only securing our feedstock supply but also advancing our commitment to a circular economy.’
Limin Fu, Vice President of Polyolefins and Joint Venture Management at LyondellBasell China, added, ‘This breakthrough in feedstock security and resource synergy sets a new standard for operational excellence and low-carbon transformation.’ Meanwhile, BLYB officially updated its legal entity name to ‘Bright LyondellBasell Petrochemical Co., Limited,’ reflecting its evolving shareholder structure while retaining its brand identity.
LyondellBasell, a global chemical industry leader, continues to drive innovation through advanced technology and focused investments, aiming to create solutions for sustainable living. From polymers to polyolefin technologies, their products support applications in transportation, food safety, clean water, and healthcare. For more insights, visit www.lyb.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.
Thought-provoking question: As the industry embraces integrated models like BLYB’s, should we celebrate these advancements as steps toward sustainability, or demand even bolder shifts away from fossil fuel dependencies? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
