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Shell Chemicals
The Chemicals Business is one of the five core businesses of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group. Nearly 70 Shell chemicals companies operate around the world, making and supplying a range of petrochemicals that are then further processed by their industrial customers. Collectively, the Shell chemicals companies number among the largest petrochemical suppliers in the world.
The countless end products made from petrochemicals are all around us in our modern world. Paints, detergents, computers, mobile phones, medicines, waterproof clothing, adhesive tapes, and refrigerators are just some of the many everyday items that depend upon the products of the petrochemical industry. In our homes, at work, when travelling and at play, petrochemicals help to make our lives safer, cleaner, more comfortable and more colourful.
Which products do we make?
The products made by the Shell chemicals companies range from basic petrochemical building blocks, such as ethylene, propylene and aromatic chemicals, through intermediates such as styrene monomer, ethylene glycols, solvents and detergent alcohols. Three further joint venture companies – Basell, Infineum and CRI International - extend this range by making polymers such as polypropylene and specialities such as fuel additives and catalysts. For a full list of products made by Shell chemicals companies visit our products & services - opens in new window.
Where do we make petrochemicals?
Shell chemicals companies have manufacturing facilities located close to all of the main chemical markets of the world. Shell researchers have developed many of the leading technologies used in these plants and, today, process developments continue to be made at our main research centres in Texas and the Netherlands. A key driver for new technologies is our firm commitment to sustainable development, with new ways being continually sought to reduce energy, conserve resources and limit our environmental impact.