Seyed Noorollah Mirashrafi told NIPNA that the initiatives are part of
the national “Investment for Production” campaign, emphasizing reliance on
domestic capabilities. The projects comprise the construction of a heavy
polyethylene production unit, the reuse of municipal wastewater, and the
development of EB/SM (ethylbenzene/styrene monomer) production facilities.
The flagship polyethylene unit, designed with an annual capacity of
310,000 tonnes, marks a milestone as the first of its kind to use a
domestically licensed process from the National Petrochemical Company. Backed
by two domestic banks, the unit is expected to become operational in April
2026.
Wastewater Reuse to Combat Water Scarcity
Addressing the region’s water crisis, Mirashrafi highlighted a major
initiative to repurpose 15 million cubic meters of urban wastewater for industrial
use at Tabriz Petrochemical and Tabriz Refinery. The project’s first phase,
with a capacity of 5 million cubic meters, is set for commissioning in early
July, followed by the second phase (3 million cubic meters) in December.
“This will not only secure the plant’s water needs but also free up a
significant volume of freshwater for municipal use,” Mirashrafi added.
Bridging Domestic Shortages in Styrene Production
The company is also constructing an EB/SM unit to reduce Iran’s
400,000-tonne annual styrene deficit. With a planned output of 100,000 tonnes
per year, the project has so far achieved 7% physical progress. It is being
financed through an $80 million facility from the National Development Fund and
is expected to come online by late 2026.
Maintaining Global Presence Post-Privatization
Mirashrafi emphasized the company’s efforts to maintain its
international brand reputation post-privatization. TPC supplies 50–60% of
Iran’s domestic styrene demand and continues to serve loyal clients in CIS
countries and India.
New Feedstock Milestone and Cost Savings from Localization
In a notable achievement, the company secured 40 tonnes of feedstock
for its Tabriz and Miyaneh units on March 24, a first made possible through
collaboration with Ghadir Investment Group and Parsian Oil & Gas
Development, with support from the National Petrochemical Company.
Over the past two years, TPC has localized the production of 1,768
industrial components — including 328 previously discontinued by foreign
manufacturers — resulting in cost savings exceeding 800 billion rials (~$1.5
million). These domestically made components match the quality of imported
equivalents.
Feedstock Shortage a Persistent Challenge
Despite these advances, feedstock availability remains a critical
bottleneck. “Years ago, we received 1,000 tonnes of feedstock daily from the Tabriz
Refinery. Today, that figure has dropped to just 132 tonnes,” Mirashrafi noted,
adding that alternative sourcing comes at a higher cost.
IPO Plans Underway After 28 Years
TPC is also preparing to enter Iran’s capital market. “After 28 years,
we’ve completed the initial approval steps for our stock market listing. We
expect to finalize the process by July,” Mirashrafi said.