The Breda plant is located in the southernmost region of the Netherlands, 28 miles (45 kilometres) from Antwerp, Belgium and 31 miles (50 kilometres) south of Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

Four operating plants are located on the 50-acre (20-hectare) site, including an expandable polystyrene plant (EPS) and a polystyrene facility.

The site's first EPS production line started up in 1964, with significant expansion of a second production line in 1969. In 1977, the first continuous polystyrene production plant began operations. A second continuous polystyrene production line started-up in 1998. The site became part of INEOS Styrenics on October 1, 2005.

Styrene, which is transported to the site via barge, and pentane feedstocks are used in the production of both EPS and polystyrene resins.

Expandable Polystyrene Production

Breda has the capacity to manufacture over 90 kilotonnes (200 million pounds) of EPS plastic resins per year, including packaging and fire resistant grades. High Performance grades, such as cup grade and high density EPS, are also produced at Breda. The plant is capable of producing more than one type of EPS simultaneously through the use of three fully automated finishing units.

Polystyrene Production

The annual polystyrene production capacity at Breda is 90 kilotonnes (200 million pounds). These products are manufactured in pellet or bead forms using a variety of proprietary product and process technology.

Technology

Our European Technology Centre is also at the Breda site and includes a research laboratory and pilot plant facilities. These facilities, used for research and testing for the styrenics business and our customers, are integrated with the manufacturing operations and technical services.

End Use Products

Expandable polystyrene products are used in foam packaging, cups and insulation. End uses for crystal polystyrene include compact disc cases, medical applications and foam meat trays. About 250 employees work in manufacturing, administration and technology at the Breda site. The Breda site is ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified.