NPC and the European polyolefins producer Basell signed on 31 October 01 two separate contracts for joint R&D collaboration in polyolefins and license technology contract for a high density polyethylene (HDPE) pilot plant based on Hostalen process. The joint research activities contract in polyolefins was signed in the wake of the signing of an initial memorandum of understanding between the two companies in 6 February 2001 in Italy.
Based on the contract, which is valid for six years, NPC and Basell will cooperate in the field of polyolefins. It is expected that the two companies will jointly define and implement projects in the framework of the contract.
As to the license technology contract and as part of R&D collaboration between the two companies, Basell will provide the know-how and grant the license to start up a Hostalen pilot plant at the NPC research subsidiary Pouyesh Petrochemical Co. Basell will also provide technical assistance and training related to the activities in the pilot plant.
Basell is a joint venture between the Royal Dutch Shell Group and Germany's BASF.