SABIC Shuts Down 865,000-Ton UK Ethylene Plant as Europe Faces Petrochemical Cuts

June 25, 2025: SABIC announced the permanent closure of its 865,000-ton-per-year ethylene plant in Wilton, UK, amid Europe's ongoing wave of petrochemical shutdowns. The Olefins 6 steam cracker, operational since 1979, has been idle since October 2020 following maintenance and upgrades to process cheaper ethane feedstock.

The plant, using naphtha as a primary feedstock, produced 865,000 tons of ethylene, 415,000 tons of propylene, and 100,000 tons of butadiene annually, serving downstream polymer production. SABIC stated that the decision aligns with its long-term strategy to enhance competitiveness. Other facilities in Teesside, including its low-density polyethylene plant, will remain operational.

The closure marks the sixth European cracker shutdown since April 2024, reducing regional ethylene capacity by approximately 4.3 million tons annually. Europe's chemical industry continues to struggle with weak demand, overcapacity, and rising costs. Recent closures include facilities operated by ExxonMobil, Eni, and TotalEnergies across France, Italy, Belgium, and the Netherlands.