Overview
Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is a global leader in chemical and plastics manufacturing, founded in 1976 by royal decree to convert oil by-products into useful chemicals, polymers, and fertilizers. Headquartered in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, SABIC operates as a major petrochemical and polymer producer with a global workforce exceeding 28,000 employees across more than 50 countries and serving customers in 140+ nations worldwide.
SABIC has evolved from a petrochemical-focused company to a diversified chemical and materials producer actively developing sustainable solutions, including bio-based polymers and renewable plastics, reflecting growing market demands for environmentally responsible materials.
Primary Materials & Products
Bio-Based Polyolefins:
- Bio-PE (Bio-Polyethylene): Drop-in replacement polyethylene derived from renewable feedstocks
- Bio-PP (Bio-Polypropylene): Bio-based polypropylene for diverse applications
- Certified renewable polymer content products
- Mixed bio-based/conventional polyolefin blends
Engineering Plastics & Specialties:
- Polycarbonate (PC) and blends
- Polyether ether ketone (PEEK)
- Specialty polyamides (PA)
- Advanced thermoplastics for demanding applications
- Polyurethane precursors and systems
Core Polymer Portfolio:
- Commodity polyethylene and polypropylene
- Specialty chemicals and additives
- Fertilizer and agri-nutrient products
- Industrial chemicals
Market Segments
SABIC serves diverse global industries with tailored material solutions:
- Packaging: Films, containers, and protective packaging for food and industrial applications
- Automotive: Interior and exterior components, lightweighting solutions
- Electrical & Electronics: High-performance polymers for electronic devices and components
- Medical Devices: Biocompatible materials for healthcare applications
- Construction & Building: Durable materials for structural and insulation applications
- Agriculture: Specialized agri-nutrients and crop solutions
- Industrial Applications: Specialty chemicals for manufacturing processes
Sustainable Materials Initiative
SABIC is committed to developing bio-based and circular economy solutions:
- Bio-Polyol Technology: Renewable polyol feedstocks from sustainable sources
- Recycled Content Programs: Integration of post-consumer and post-industrial recycled plastics
- Renewable Feedstock Development: Partnerships for sustainable raw material sourcing
- Circular Design Principles: Product development focusing on recyclability and lifecycle reduction
Global Operations & Facilities
SABIC operates multiple world-scale manufacturing complexes across:
- Middle East (primary operations hub)
- Europe (manufacturing and R&D centers)
- North America (production and technical support)
- Asia-Pacific (regional manufacturing and distribution)
The company maintains extensive research and development capabilities focused on innovative materials, process optimization, and sustainable chemistry solutions.
Strategic Partnerships
SABIC collaborates with leading companies for bio-based material development, including partnerships for bio-derived polymer production. For example, SABIC supplies Bio-PP to UPM for their Formi EcoAce brand biocomposite used in food contact, personal care, and consumer goods applications.
Last updated: February 13, 2026