SafekipediaPetrochemical industry
Adapted from Wikipedia · Discoverer experience
The petrochemical industry is all about making and trading petrochemicals. These are special chemicals made from oil and natural gas that are used to create many everyday items. One big part of this industry is the plastics (polymer) industry, which makes the plastics we use in things like bottles, toys, and packaging.
This industry works closely with the petroleum industry, especially its downstream part. The downstream sector deals with refining oil and turning it into useful products. Because of this connection, the petrochemical industry plays a big role in turning raw materials into the many products we use every day.
Companies
The biggest companies in the world for making petrochemicals are listed here.
Further information: Category:Petrochemical companies, China Petrochemical Corporation, National Petrochemical Company, and Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company
| Company | Country | 2008 revenues $ (billion) | 2021 annual revenue $ (million) | 2023 market cap $ (billion) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BASF | Germany | 62.30 | 51.1 | |
| Dow Chemical | US | 57.51 | ||
| ExxonMobil Chemical / ExxonMobil | US | 55 | 398.6 | 466.8 |
| LyondellBasell Industries | Netherlands | 51 | ||
| Ineos | UK | 47 | ||
| SABIC | Saudi Arabia | 37.66 | ||
| Formosa Plastics Corporation | Taiwan | 31.5 | ||
| Sumitomo Chemical | Japan | 16.65 | ||
| DuPont | US | 31.83 | ||
| Chevron Phillips / Chevron Corp | US | 13 | 235.7 | 349.8 |
| Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Saudi Arabia | 605.1 | 1900 | |
| China National Petroleum Corp Petrochina Co. Ltd. | CN | 505.3 | 425.8 | |
| Sinochem Holdings | CN | 258.3 | ||
| Shell plc | CN | 381.3 | 205.6 | |
| China Petroleum & Chemical Corp | CN | 493.1 | 77.2 | |
| TotalEnergies SE | FR | 263.3 | 157.9 | |
| BP plc | FR | 241.3 | 107.1 | |
| Marathon Petroleum Corp | US | 178.8 | 58.9 | |
| Valero Energy | US | 176.3 | 55 | |
| Reliance Industries Limited | IN | 202.4 |
Countries and sites
The Marun petrochemical complex is an important place for making products from petroleum. It shows how countries work together to create things we use every day, like plastics.
Technology
Further information: Instrumentation in petrochemical industries
The petrochemical industry uses special tools and machines to make important products like plastics. These tools help turn raw materials from oil into everyday items we use, such as bottles and toys. This part of the industry works closely with the oil business to create things that make our lives easier.
Conferences
There are important meetings for people who work with petrochemicals. One is called the Asia Petrochemical Industry Conference, and another is the International Petrochemical Conference by the AFPM. These conferences help experts share ideas and learn from each other.
Associations
There are groups that bring together companies that work with fuels and chemicals from oil. Some of these groups include the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, the European Petrochemical Association, the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, and Petrochemicals Europe, which is part of Cefic. These groups help companies share ideas and rules for making and selling their products.
Awards
The petrochemical industry has received special medals and awards for its work. One example is the Medal "For the Tapping of the Subsoil and Expansion of the Petrochemical Complex of Western Siberia." There is also a Petrochemical Heritage Award that recognizes important contributions to the field.
Related articles
This article is a child-friendly adaptation of the Wikipedia article on Petrochemical industry, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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