Milan, Italy, September 2, 2002 – Basell has launched a new range of chromium catalysts for the production of high density polyethylene (HDPE) through a wide range of HDPE processes.

"These catalysts, marketed under the trade name Avant C, are immediately available and can be utilised in gas phase or slurry processes," said Michael Mulrooney, vice president of Basell’s Catalyst Business. "They are capable of producing homopolymers of ethylene as well as copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefins. Resins produced with these chromium catalysts exhibit a medium to broad molecular weight distribution and are suitable for such applications as blow moulding, pipe extrusion and film."

The new chromium catalysts extend the range of catalysts marketed by Basell. These advanced catalyst systems also include:

• Avant ZN - Ziegler-Natta catalysts for polypropylene
• Avant Z - Ziegler catalysts for polyethylene
• Avant M – metallocene catalysts for polypropylene

Avant catalysts are manufactured in Europe in Ferrara, Italy; Seneffe, Belgium; Frankfurt and Ludwigshafen, Germany, and in the United States in Edison, New Jersey. Basell maintains regional technical and distribution centres to support its global catalysts’ customers.

In addition to its catalyst business, Basell develops, produces and markets polypropylene, polyethylene, advanced polyolefin materials and also develops and licenses polyolefin processes. With research and development centres in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region, Basell is committed to continuously extending the property profile of its polyolefin portfolio and to developing with its customers a shared agenda for bringing new products to market as quickly as possible. Basell, including its joint ventures, serves customers in more than 120 countries with materials produced in 18 countries. Basell’s Internet address is www.basell.com.

Avant is a trademark owned by Basell.