Berre

The Berre petrochemical site covers around 1000 hectares and includes several petrochemical plants: a refinery plant, a steam-cracker, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene polymer facilities and chemical facilities.

The Berre KEM ONE plant is operated by Lyondellbasell Company. Relations between the two companies are governed by operating, service and utility supply agreements.

A suspension PVC expert

The plant has a suspension PVC annual production capacity of 290 000 tons split into 3 fully automated production trains.

PVC is obtained by polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) based on the suspension process. The plant is supplied with VCM by a pipe coming from KEM ONE’s Fos-sur-Mer plant.

A continuous quality improvement initiative

The Berre plant is certified ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.These certifications guarantee each customer a stable and flawless product availability, but also while respecting the environment and natural resources.

Like each of the company's entities, its management system is evaluated by external audits based on the OHSAS 18001 framework.

Safety and environmental protection

Human and equipment safety is a permanent concern. The plant’s activities are framed by a Technology Risk Prevention Plan (PPRT), an On-site Emergency Response Plan (POI) and an Emergency Response plan (PPI). The fire fighters are on site round-the-clock, along with the medical teams and safety auxiliaries.

In 2012, the Berre PVC plant invested in an energy recovery facility that allowed to reduce the plant’s steam consumption by 8 %.

History

• 2000: Arkema and Solvin purchased the plant from Shell – Vinylberre JV is created
• 2008: The site is operated by Lyondellbasell
• 2010: The plant becomes a 100 % Arkema plant
• 2012: KEM ONE created

Contacts

KEM ONE - Usine de Berre
Lyondellbasell Services France
Chemin départemental 54 - BP 14
13131 Berre l’Etang - France

Tel: 04 42 74 42 74