Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL), a diversified, integrated energy major, is planning to set up a poly-butadiene rubber (PBR) project at its Naphtha Cracker Complex at Panipat in Haryana at an estimated capital expenditure of Rs 1459 crore.
With its presence in almost all streams of oil, gas, petrochemicals, and alternative energy sources, IOCL plans to commence commercial production on this project by 2025.
The plant will have a PBR production capacity of 60,000 tonnes per annum based on state-of-the-art technology provided by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, a global leader in automotive tyres. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is an American multinational tire manufacturing company that produces tires for automobiles, commercial trucks, light trucks, motorcycles, SUVs, race cars, airplanes, farm equipment, and heavy earth-moving machinery. The company also makes bicycle tires. Goodyear is one of the top four tire manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone (Japan), Michelin (France), and Continental (Germany).
Butadiene is the primary raw material for the production of PBR which shall be available from the existing Naphtha Cracker Complex of the company.
The tyre industry is the largest consumer of PBR in India with more than 80% consumption, while the balance is for other industries such as footwear, conveyor belts, etc. Because of the present deficit in PBR production in India and the steadily growing demand, the demand-supply deficit is expected to grow considerably in the future.
The implementation of the project would reduce India’s import dependency on PBR, thereby, aiding Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India’s vision for the nation.