The agreement, signed during a ceremony attended by Iran's president,
was finalized between the plant’s CEO and the head of the Petrochemical Special
Economic Zone Organization, according to the Persian Gulf Petrochemical
Industries Company (PGPIC).
Amin Malekzadeh, the head of Shahid Tondguyan Petrochemical Plant,
revealed that the domestication initiative, part of the country’s polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) production chain, carries a financial value of 4.86
trillion rials ($486 million) and €2.3 million. The new catalysts are expected
to save Iran €2 million annually in import costs.
"Of the seven catalysts used in our operations, we have
successfully localized six through partnerships with Iranian knowledge-based
companies," Malekzadeh stated, adding that the production of the final
catalyst, platinum on alumina, is expected to be completed within the next
three to six months.
The cobalt acetate and manganese acetate catalysts are critical for
the conversion of paraxylene into purified terephthalic acid (PTA), previously
imported from East Asian suppliers. Their production will take place at the
plant's Phase 2 facilities.
Additionally, the plant has expanded the localization of other
chemical inputs, most recently terminal oil 66. This material, previously
imported at €10-12 per kilogram, was consumed at a rate of 150-200 tons
annually. Its domestic production has resulted in significant hard currency
savings.
The move underscores Iran’s efforts to bolster self-reliance in its
petrochemical sector amid international sanctions and economic constraints.