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Polyethylene Technology, Pioneered by CPChem

Employees working at CPChem Cedar Bayou

Chevron Phillips Chemical pioneered modern high‑density polyethylene (HDPE) manufacturing in 1951 with the breakthrough discovery by chemists Paul Hogan and Robert Banks. That legacy continued with the introduction of proprietary MarTECH® Loop Slurry Technology in 1961—now a global benchmark for reliability, scalability, and performance. 

Today, CPChem remains a leader in polyethylene innovation, investing in advanced process research and circular polyethylene produced from advanced recycling feedstocks. 

Golden Triangle Polymers facility

Global Leadership at Scale

20 Countries, 80+ Plants
Licensed technology operating in 20 countries, across 80+ plants and 1,000+ patents—representing approximately 20% of global HDPE production.

Flexible Resin Capability
Flexible technology supporting LDPE, MDPE, and HDPE resins for worldwide markets.

Four Texas Complexes
Four major production complexes in Texas ensuring reliable global supply.

Strategic Joint Ventures
Strategic joint ventures providing advantaged feedstocks and diversified sourcing.

ISO 9001 Quality
ISO 9001–certified quality systems maintained since 1993.

Learn More About Licensing

MarTECH® Loop Slurry Process — Proven Efficiency

MARTECH-SL-ADL-Diagrams

The MarTECH® Loop Slurry Process is CPChem's proprietary technology for producing high- and medium-density polyethylene. Introduced in 1961 and continuously advanced through catalyst and process innovation, it is a global benchmark for efficiency, reliability, and resin consistency across applications including rigid packaging, pipe, films, and coatings.

How It Works

Ethylene and comonomers polymerize under tightly controlled conditions in a loop slurry reactor, delivering consistent polymer structure and performance. Available in Single Loop (SL) and Advanced Dual Loop (ADL) configurations, the process uses proprietary catalysts and automated controls to achieve precise molecular weight distribution across product lines.

Why It Matters

Efficiency — Simplified reactor design cuts capital costs by ≈50% versus legacy systems.

Reliability — Demonstrated on-stream factors ≥98% deliver exceptional reliability.

Quality — Produces uniform, high-performance polyethylene grades for both rigid and flexible applications.

Innovation — Decades of process refinement and catalyst development make MarTECH® one of the most trusted technologies in global polymer manufacturing.

From Breakthrough to Circular Future

In 1951, research chemists Robert Banks and J. Paul Hogan discovered how to make polypropylene and high-density polyethylene.
1951

Discovery of HDPE and polypropylene by CPChem chemists Paul Hogan and Robert Banks.

MarTECH Loop Slurry Process patent diagram, 1961
1961

Launch of MarTECH® Loop Slurry Process, revolutionizing polyethylene manufacturing.

Chevron Phillips Chemical's U.S. Gulf Coast Petrochemicals Project in Old Ocean, Texas.
2022

Commercial introduction of Marlex® Anew™ Circular Polyethylene, produced through advanced recycling technology.