Bourouge International visits URJC and strengthens collaboration in polymers

Rey Juan Carlos University recently hosted a delegation from Bourouge International, one of the world's leading producers of polyolefins. During the visit, the representatives learned about the capabilities of the Polymer Technology Laboratory (LATEP), a benchmark in Southern Europe. The meeting provided an opportunity to explore new avenues for collaboration in research and certification of advanced materials.

Writing/Raúl García Hémonnet

Rey Juan Carlos University (URJC) hosted a delegation from Borouge International on Monday, the 18th. The delegation included Dr. Suleyman Deveci, Director of the Center of Excellence in Infrastructure, along with Norbert Jansen and Álvaro Pérez, Marketing Managers for Polyethylene Applications. They were received by the Vice-Rector for Knowledge Transfer and Scientific-Technological Structures, Fernando Martínez Castillejo, who emphasized the university's commitment to collaborating with technology companies and facilitating knowledge transfer.

During the visit, the Borouge representatives showed particular interest in LATEP's capabilities, especially in certification testing of ultra-resistant polyethylene materials used in the manufacture of pressurized water and gas pipes (PE100RC). LATEP is currently the only accredited laboratory in Southern Europe (Spain, France, and Portugal) for evaluating the long-term resistance of this type of pipe.

In this context, Dr. Suleyman Deveci highlighted LATEP's international prestige in the research and characterization of pipe materials, as well as its presence at industry forums and conferences. He also emphasized the importance of having accredited laboratories at this crucial time for the industry, when the evaluation and certification of ultra-resistant materials is essential for resin and pipe manufacturers. The visit concluded with a tour of LATEP's facilities, led by its general coordinator, Rafael García Muñoz, and its director, Carlos Domínguez.

Borouge International, the result of the merger between Borouge (United Arab Emirates) and Borealis (Austria), along with the acquisition of NOVA Chemicals (Canada), is positioned as the world's fourth-largest producer of polyolefins. This global leadership in the production of polyethylene and polypropylene, key materials in the global plastics market, makes the company a strategic player in the international supply of materials.