Iran’s polymer production capacity will reach 16 million tons by the end of the country’s seventh development plan (2029), up from the current 9 million tons, said the CEO of the National Petrochemical Company (NPC) on Monday.
Hassan Abbaszadeh, also Iran’s Deputy Oil Minister, made the remark at the opening ceremony of the 19th IranPlast 2025, adding, “Polymers, due to their high added value and strategic role across industries, should be central to petrochemical development.”
“Polymers are increasingly replacing traditional materials such as steel across automotive, construction, and home appliances sectors, he noted while emphasizing the importance of polymer production in Iran’s petrochemical industry.”
He stated that while basic chemical commodities are worth between $300 and $600 per ton, the prices of polymer products can exceed $1,000 per ton.
Iran’s total petrochemical capacity stands at approximately 100 million tons, with downstream industries offering significantly higher employment potential compared to capital-intensive upstream operations.
The seventh development plan focuses on the production of engineering polymers, Abbaszadeh said, adding that while Iran is currently producing such polymer products as polyethylene and polypropylene, engineering polymers and high value-added polymers still need more attention.
More than $400 million has already been invested in the PVC value chain, he stated, noting that production of products like polyurethane, Impact-resistant polystyrene and other engineering grades are to start which can pave the way for exports.
Abbaszadeh emphasized the transformative role of catalysts in shaping next-generation polymer technologies, citing global forecasts that project polymer output to surge from 400 million tons in 2020 to one billion tons by 2050. Packaging (with 36%), construction (with 15%), and textiles (with 15%) currently account for the bulk of global consumption, he said.
Iran’s downstream sector comprises over 15,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, employing about 1.5 million people. Last year, over 7 million tons of petrochemical products were traded on the Iran Mercantile Exchange, he added.
He also addressed mounting global concerns over plastic pollution and carbon emissions, stressing that Iran’s petrochemical sector must align with international sustainability standards.
“Carbon footprint reduction is now a critical determinant in global markets and Countries leveraging renewable energy can sell their products at higher prices. Iran petrochemical industry should follow this global trend,” he noted.
Abbaszadeh emphasized development of recycling infrastructure, arguing that reintegrating consumed plastics into the production cycle could reduce environmental impact while enhancing economic returns.
He concluded by referencing remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader, warning against short-termism and unhealthy management practices. Despite calls to postpone or cancel IranPlast, the exhibition was held.
