Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan will establish its first-ever production of cross-linked polyethylene raw materials, the Uzeltekhsanoat Industry Association has announced.

At the association’s headquarters, final contractual documents were signed, formalizing an agreement to launch the first cross-linked polyethylene production facility in the country.

As part of this initiative, the joint venture NASAF XCP TECHNO was established, marking the official launch of the project.

The new facility is being developed in partnership with China’s Yunnan Xinchengpeng Polymer Technology, as well as Techno Cable Group, a member of UzElectroTech Industry Association, and the Shurtan Gas Chemical Complex.

The project has a total investment of US$8 million and is expected to produce 35,000 tons of cross-linked polyethylene annually. Its implementation will create 65 new jobs and substitute imports worth US$30 million per year.

The production process will unfold in two stages. The first phase, scheduled for March-April 2025, will focus on launching production and testing the cross-linked polyethylene. The second phase, set for August-September 2025, will involve purchasing equipment for the production of halogen-free components.

According to experts, the launch of this facility will fully meet Uzbekistan’s domestic demand for cross-linked polyethylene, which has never been produced locally before. With a market demand of 25,000-30,000 tons per year, domestic production will eliminate reliance on imports.

Cross-linked polyethylene has enhanced properties due to chemical or physical modifications of its molecular structure, making it stronger, more flexible, and more resistant to high temperatures compared to conventional polyethylene.

This material is widely used in various industries, including the production of hot and cold water supply pipes, high-pressure gas pipes, and heating systems, including underfloor heating. Additionally, it is extensively used for cable insulation in the electrical industry.

The launch of this project will not only reduce import volumes but also strengthen Uzbekistan’s industrial infrastructure, creating new opportunities for the growth of domestic manufacturing.