ExxonMobil boosts production of specialized PP and isopropyl alcohol in response to coronavirus crisis

HOUSTON (ICIS)–ExxonMobil has increased production of raw materials for much-needed medical masks, gowns and hand sanitizer, the multinational oil and gas corporation said on Wednesday.

The company has increased its capability to manufacture specialized polypropylene (PP) by about 1,000 tonnes/month. This will produce up to 200m medical masks or 20m gowns.

Production of isopropyl alcohol has been increased by 3,000 tonnes/month, which will enable production of up to 50m four-ounce bottles of medical-grade hand sanitizer.

The PP will be made at sites in Baytown, Texas; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Singapore. Production of isopropyl (or rubbing) alcohol is also taking place at the site in Baton Rouge.

ExxonMobil is also awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a new face mask design, which features a replaceable cartridge system that includes a filtration fabric.

“We’re increasing our manufacturing capabilities to meet this critical need to help keep doctors, nurses and first responders healthy and safe,” said Karen McKee, president of ExxonMobil Chemical Company. “Our team has been working around the clock, applying our engineering and technical know-how and working with our customers to make this happen. We’re committed to doing our part to support the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

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