Chemicals
Oxygenates
The main chemicals in this group are alcohols and ethers. An important oxygenate for SABIC is methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), the octane enhancer that replaces lead in fuel. Methanol is the starting point for the formaldehyde resins on which the paint, adhesive and decorative-laminate industries depend, while purified industrial ethanol is a component of many pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, insecticides and organic solutions.
Aromatics
Aromatics are a group of hydrocarbons that form the basis of important commodity chemicals used in the production of items such as clothing, paints and packaging. Among SABIC’s aromatics are styrene, benzene and paraxylene.
Chemical intermediates
Chemical intermediates are used to make a wide range of materials for everyday essentials such as textiles, soaps, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and other plastics.
Fibre intermediates
Fibre intermediates are used in the manufacture of antifreeze, detergents, paints and polyester.