A feasibility study was carried out for the development of an Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) production facility in the UAE, with a planned production capacity of 50,000 MTPA / 50 KTPA. The study assessed the technical solution for producing EPDM from Ethylene and Propylene feedstocks, based on a solution polymerisation process with a flexible catalyst system, including Ziegler–Natta and metallocene catalyst options, depending on final technology selection and product grade requirements.
The scope covered site selection, plant configuration, feedstock and utility requirements, technology providers, market dynamics, pricing analysis, financial evaluation, environmental considerations, project management, and risk mitigation. The project cost estimate was assessed using Class 5 AACE methodology (later refined to Class 3), reflecting the feasibility-stage level of project definition and allowing further refinement during the next engineering and commercial development phases.
The study also reviewed key EPDM applications, including automotive weather seals, hoses, gaskets, belts, vibration-control parts, construction roofing membranes, waterproofing systems, appliance parts, electrical insulation, wire and cable sheathing, polymer modification, lubricant viscosity index improvers, sports fields, tracks, and other general rubber goods. These applications are supported by EPDM’s strong resistance to ozone, ageing, weathering, heat, and harsh outdoor conditions.
