Speaking at the 8th National Polymer Conference hosted by Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Sephedar Ansari-Nik highlighted the essential role of industry–academia collaboration in fostering innovation, technological self-reliance, and national wealth creation. He noted that Bandar Imam Petrochemical Company has established dedicated liaison offices for universities and knowledge-based enterprises to deepen cooperation and align future research with industrial needs.
Ansari-Nik outlined the company’s ongoing “Bandar Imam Novin” development project, launched in 2022, which focuses on expanding three key value chains—chlorine, olefins, and aromatics—to modernize the complex and strengthen its position in the national petrochemical landscape.
He stated that global polymer output currently exceeds 490 million tons annually, with Iran contributing about 9 million tons. With the implementation of new projects, that figure is expected to surpass 16 million tons within the next few years.
Tracing industry progress, he noted that polymer production in Iran has grown from 840,000 tons in 2002 to nearly 9 million tons today—a rate he described as impressive given global benchmarks, yet still far below the nation’s potential considering its vast hydrocarbon resources.
Ansari-Nik emphasized that global advancements in polymer production now revolve around innovations in catalysts, reactor design, and process architecture. Major producers, he said, are using metallocene and post-metallocene catalysts to develop polymers with tailored properties and higher market value.
He identified expanding production capacity as a national imperative: “With abundant hydrocarbon feedstock, Iran must enhance its global market share and create sustainable wealth.” He added that investment in advanced technologies and conversion of basic liquid feedstocks into high-value solid polymers will help mitigate the effects of sanctions.
The CEO concluded by stressing the growing importance of circular economy practices, recycling, and polymer reuse, saying these will soon become mandatory under international standards. “We must take fundamental and commercial steps in this direction now,” he said.