At PlastIndia 2026 in Delhi, OQ, Oman’s integrated energy company, presented its portfolio of polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) solutions to date, showcasing a strategic shift from volume-driven supply to value-based, application-led partnerships in high-growth markets such as India.
As India’s polymer demand continues to expand across packaging, infrastructure, and consumer applications, OQ emphasized that material suppliers must evolve beyond traditional roles. According to Cihan Cabuk, head of market development and innovation, OQ, the company sees a clear transition in how converters engage with suppliers.
“Volume and price will always matter, but they are no longer sufficient differentiators. Converters today compete on efficiency, product performance, aesthetics, speed-to-market, and increasingly on sustainability. This requires suppliers to move toward application-led collaboration rather than commodity positioning.”
Cabuk highlighted that OQ is increasingly working alongside customers to co-develop tailored material solutions that enhance productivity and product differentiation. This approach allows converters to strengthen their competitiveness in both domestic and export markets.
At the exhibition, which happened before the recent turmoil in the Persian Gulf, OQ showcased 17 new PP and PE grades, reflecting a strong focus on material innovation aligned with evolving market needs. These innovations are designed to deliver improved processing efficiency, enhanced aesthetics, and sustainability benefits.
One such example highlighted at the exhibition was Luban RP2251T, a clarified random copolymer developed for transparent food containers and household packaging. The material offers superior clarity and faster cycle times, enabling better shelf appeal while reducing energy consumption during production.
“We are designing materials that support recyclability and reuse, integrating circular thinking from the outset rather than as an afterthought,” he said.
By collaborating with technology providers and additive specialists, OQ is also ensuring that its solutions remain aligned with emerging regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations, particularly around sustainability and responsible material use.
Beyond packaging, OQ was addressing the growing demand for high-performance polymers in infrastructure applications such as pipes, water tanks, and industrial containers. These applications require materials that can withstand long-term environmental stress and deliver consistent performance over extended lifecycles.
OQ’s rotomolding grade Luban LL R 3505 UV is designed specifically for water storage applications, offering high impact resistance and UV stability. The company is preparing to launch a new hexene-based rotomoulding grade aimed at more demanding environments, with enhanced mechanical strength and improved environmental stress crack resistance (ESCR).
Another key theme at OQ’s showcase was its transformation into a solution-oriented partner for converters. The company is actively engaging in co-development projects, offering hands-on technical trials, processing optimization, and real-world validation.
Cabuk shared an example involving a high-cavity injection moulding application for flip-top caps and measurement cups. The challenge was to achieve uniform flow across a 20-cavity mould while maintaining hinge performance and clarity.
“Working closely with the converter, we customized a clarified random copolymer that ensured stable melt flow and consistent cavity filling,” he explained. “The result was smooth processing, excellent living hinge performance, and improved aesthetics for consumer-facing applications.”
Global expansion through Ladayn
OQ highlighted the progress of its Ladayn program, a downstream polymer-to-product manufacturing ecosystem based in Oman’s Suhar Industrial City. The initiative is designed to connect reliable polymer feedstock with value-added manufacturing opportunities.
Through Ladayn, Indian converters can establish a presence closer to key export markets across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Asia, leveraging strong logistics infrastructure and trade connectivity.
“Ladayn offers a practical pathway for Indian companies to expand beyond domestic production within an operationally ready industrial platform,” said Mundhar Al Rawahi, head of the Ladayn program. He added that multiple projects are already underway, with nine companies having commenced production, demonstrating the initiative’s transition from strategy to execution.
Cabuk further concluded, “Collaboration between Middle East producers and Indian manufacturers can create balanced value chains that combine feedstock strength, manufacturing expertise, and export reach. At OQ, we are not just supplying polymers—we are working with partners to develop solutions that align with sustainability goals, regulatory expectations, and long-term market needs.”
