IRAN: Iran acquires knowledge to produce PET

Iran has acquired the technical know-how to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET), according to the head researcher at the Malek Ashtar University of Technology Mohammad Reza Sovizi as quoted by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA).

“We have been able to indigenize the production of the petrochemical catalyst and Iran is the first country in the region to acquire self-sufficiency in the production of this chemical item which used to be imported,” said the assistant professor of analytical chemistry.

“This has saved Iran USD 22 million (annually),” he added.

“Petrochemical industries are among strategic, and parent industries and Iran in recent years has achieved great development in this sphere,” the university professor said.

“With regard to the abundant raw materials found in Iran, our country has a great potential for generating income and promoting sustainable employment by relying on the petrochemical industries,” Sovizi said.

Source: Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), Tehran; 26 Mar 2016

(Syed Rashid Ali, Karachi, Pakistan)