Iranian Industry Minister Mohammad Atabak inaugurated two industrial projects in Isfahan Province on Tuesday, highlighting progress in the petrochemical sector’s recovery following recent damage sustained during a regional conflict. The initiatives focus on advancing packaging and polymer production, with one facility, valued at 50 million euros, set to produce 13-layer films and hybrid packaging products. This new plant, located in Mobarakeh Industrial Town, is expected to generate approximately 500 jobs and marks Iran’s first production of 13-layer film materials aimed at reducing reliance on imported packaging supplies.
Atabak emphasized that the Isfahan Moqadam industrial group, responsible for the new facility, possesses modern engineering and manufacturing capabilities, supplying polymer products for use in agriculture, industry, and the oil sector. He noted that expanding operations could complete production chains and optimize raw material utilization, supporting both regional industrial development and the creation of higher added value.
The company behind the project, a significant domestic producer of packaging, industrial bags, and disposable big-bag containers, has increased its manufacturing capacity with the new unit. During his visit, Atabak also examined an industrial company in the region that suffered damage during the recent conflict, assessing obstacles to resuming production and exploring ways to expedite reconstruction efforts.
At a subsequent meeting with local economic officials, Atabak provided an update on the petrochemical sector’s recovery since the outbreak of the 40-day war involving the United States and Israel that began in late February. He reported that while about 75% of petrochemical capacity was lost during the initial phase of the conflict, over 60% of output has now been restored. He further stated that there is presently no shortage of petrochemical feedstock.
The conflict caused targeted air strikes in April on petrochemical facilities across Iran, including sites in Mahshahr and Khuzestan provinces, Asaluyeh in Bushehr Province, as well as the petrochemical plants in Tabriz and Marvdasht near Shiraz. Though the National Iranian Petrochemical Company (NIPC) has not released an official damage assessment, the resulting export ban suggests substantial disruption.
Hassan Abbaszadeh, head of NIPC, detailed in June that some damage stemmed from attacks on gas refineries supplying critical feedstock such as natural gas and condensates to petrochemical operations. He noted that auxiliary petrochemical facilities, along with power plants responsible for providing electricity and steam to complexes, were also targeted. Abbaszadeh acknowledged that certain production units were directly hit and temporarily ceased operations, affecting the overall capacity of the sector.
The visits and statements underscore the Iranian government’s focus on reviving industrial activities and restoring key economic sectors following the damage caused by recent hostilities in the region.