Total develops and markets four categories of products:
Base chemicals. Starting with chemicals produced, for example, by steam crackers of refinery conversion units, Total manufactures olefins (ethylene and propylene), C4 cuts and aromatics (benzene, toluene) as well as styrene.
Polyethylene. This is a plastic made by polymerising ethylene. It is used in motor vehicles (e.g. fuel tanks), to make packaging for industrial and consumer goods, water- and gas-supply piping.
Polypropylene. This is a plastic made by polymerising propylene. It is widely used to make food packaging (in the form of bags, trays, pots, bottles and closures). It is also used in fiber form to make woven cloth (sports garments) and non-wovens (hygiene products) as well as carpeting and artificial grass. In the auto industry it is the basic material for making fenders and dashboards.
Polystyrene. This is a plastic made by polymerising styrenes. It is made in two types: a “crystal” polystyrene (extremely transparent) and an “impact resistant” polystyrene that is made tougher by adding rubber. Polystyrene is used in food packaging, electronics, household appliances and heat-insulation panels for buildings.
Lumicene® : the high-performance brand
The Lumicene range, based on patented technology and launched in September 2009, comprises a new generation of metallocene polyolefins developed by Total. Find out more?
Plastics recycling
Despite their important contribution to everyday life, plastics still have a negative reputation, often due to local authorities’ poor management of plastic waste. Total places great importance on the management of end-of-life plastics.