Entity

Naphtachimie is a major petrochemical producer established in 1949 on the Lavéra platform in Martigues, Bouches-du-Rhône, southern France. The company was originally founded as a joint venture between Péchiney, Kuhlmann, and SGHP (Société Générale des Huiles de Pétrole), after Péchiney's laboratory discoveries on new petroleum-derived raw materials led them to partner with SFBP (which operated the adjacent Lavéra refinery) to construct a steam cracker. Naphtachimie operates two main production workshops — a steam cracker and a butadiene extraction unit — and a dedicated thermal power plant and utilities infrastructure.

Ownership and Corporate Structure

Naphtachimie operated for decades as a 50/50 joint venture between TotalEnergies (Total Raffinage Chimie) and INEOS. In April 2024, INEOS completed the acquisition of TotalEnergies' entire 50% stake, making Naphtachimie a 100% INEOS subsidiary, fully integrated into the INEOS Olefins & Polymers (O&P) Europe business unit.

Lavéra Platform Ecosystem

Naphtachimie is deeply integrated with the broader Lavéra industrial cluster, which hosts:

• INEOS (refinery and chemical units)
• Kem One (chlorochemicals/PVC)
• Appryl (300 ktpa polypropylene — INEOS-owned since 2024)
• Gexaro (270 ktpa aromatics — INEOS-owned since 2024)
• Arkema (specialty chemicals)
• Air Liquide (industrial gases)

HSE and Regulatory Status

Naphtachimie is classified as a Seveso III High Threshold establishment, reflecting the hazardous nature of its operations. The company has received external recognition for its safety and environmental commitments — in 2019, Naphtachimie (jointly with Petroinéos Lavéra and Appryl) was awarded the Chimie Méditerranée Trophy for Responsible Care. The site applies a continuous improvement policy across safety, environmental protection, industrial hygiene, and product quality.

Investment and Future Outlook

In November 2025, INEOS announced a €250 million investment to modernize and regenerate the Lavéra cracker — the first phase of a broader site rejuvenation plan. This was followed in February 2026 by a €300 million French government grant to support further decarbonization and modernization of the platform, bringing the total planned investment to over €550 million.