Turning ordinary plastic into an engineering material.
The Kingdom imports 100% of a strategic high-performance polymer
Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is essential for fiber, medical, marine, aerospace, defense and wire-and-cable applications. There is no local production in KSA today — 100% of demand is met by imports — leaving a strategic, fast-growing market entirely dependent on foreign supply.
The strongest man-made tapes, made from a Kingdom resource
Ethylene is abundant in the Kingdom as a product of its oil resources. By driving the repeat-unit count from tens to over a hundred thousand, the same monomer becomes an engineering polymer with far greater societal and economic value. Using a novel synthesis process at KAUST, the team has not only removed the need for the use of toxic solvents but also created the strongest man-made tapes, with superior impact and abrasion resistance and exceptional gas-barrier properties.
Plastic Diamond in action
A disruptive, solvent-free KAUST process
The KAUST technology delivers high-performance UHMWPE with solvent-free processing and a 65% reduction in CO2 for each kilogram of product, while extending final product lifetime. It is backed by an IP portfolio covering the value chain to secure freedom to operate.
- CO2 reduction
- 65% lower for 1 kg of product
- Processing
- Solvent-free
- Performance
- Strongest man-made tapes; superior impact and abrasion resistance
- Global market
- ~USD 18 billion, growing at ~8.7% CAGR
- IP portfolio
- Polymer synthesis, blending, creep-resistant polymer and tape processing
Creating impact where it matters most
Localizing production
Establishing the first local UHMWPE production to replace 100% import dependency.
Strengthening strategic sectors
Supplying military, marine, aerospace and medical industries from within the Kingdom.
Lower-carbon material
Cutting product CO2 by 65% through solvent-free processing.
Building local expertise
Generating high-tech jobs and cultivating cutting-edge polymer expertise locally.
KAUST. On a mission for Saudi Arabia and the world.
Whether you’re a researcher, entrepreneur, industry partner or investor, we invite you to be part of the journey.
Partner With UsBuilding 34, KAUST Research & Technology Park, Thuwal 23955-6900, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia