04.15.20
SIBUR, Russia’s largest integrated petrochemicals company, and Netkanika, a major manufacturer of high-quality nonwoven materials, will expand their cooperation to provide the healthcare industry with high quality single-use personal protective equipment.
SIBUR provides the polypropylene grade for medicinal and hygienic use in the quantities required to fully use Netkanika’s capacities. This grade is perfectly suited for the production of nonwoven fabric, which is lightweight and low density (g/cm2), and at the same time durable, soft and air permeable. End products made of polypropylene-based multilayer nonwowen fabrics are characterised by a high bacterial filtration rate, air permeability and fluid resistance. Polypropylene for medicinal and hygienic use is produced at several Sibur's’s sites, including ZapSibNeftekhim in Russia.
Netkanika has quickly adjusted its production lines and production plan to maximise the output of materials used for disposable personal protective equipment such as medical masks and overalls for hospital workers.
The companies are also considering the ways to expand Netkanika’s production capacities to meet current and future demand in the healthcare industry. As part of this initiative, the partners are negotiating a long-term cooperation programme providing for SIBUR's supply of feedstock to Netkanika on favourable terms in order to speed up the potential return on investment.
“In response to the shortage of single use personal protective equipment in the market amid the pandemic we are prepared to diversify our product range to the maximum extent possible, increase the output of polypropylene grades for medical products, and boost supplies to manufacturers serving the healthcare industry," says Sergey Komyshan, member of the management board and executive director at SIBUR. "It is important to note that, apart from serving as components of protective medical devices, SIBUR’s polymers and organic synthesis products (such as polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, PVC and ethylene oxide) are widely used for the production of test tubes, drips, blister packs, disinfectants, and medical equipment. Therefore, supplying the healthcare sector is our priority.”
“Today, we are entirely focused on providing a steady supply of nonwoven materials to our clients that manufacture disposable personal protective equipment, including medical masks and wear, baby and adult hygiene products," says Rifkat Galimzyanov, general manager Netkanika. "Due to a demand spike there is a shortage of such materials in the market, which we are prepared to mitigate by engaging additional production capacities.”