Preliminary Design of Polyethylene Terephthalate from Ethylene Glycol and Terephthalic Acid With 60,000 Ton/year Capacity

Abstract

Indonesia's growing industrialization and rising demand for plastic-based products highlight the need to reduce reliance on imported polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This thesis outlines the preliminary design of a PET manufacturing plant with a planned capacity of 60,000 tons per year, utilizing ethylene glycol (EG) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) through direct esterification and polycondensation processes. The plant is proposed to be built in Cilegon, West Java, Indonesia to serve the expanding domestic market, particularly in the packaging and textile sectors. Hazop analaysis from several factors conclude in low risk and Economic analysis reveals a Fixed Capital Investment (FCI) of Rp 901,093,047,516, a payback period of 2.2 years (pre-tax), a Break-Even Point (BEP) of 56.87%, a Return on Investment (ROI) of 35.59% before tax, and a Discounted Cash Flow Rate of Return (DCFRR) of 10%. The results of the technical and financial evaluations confirm that the project is feasible and profitable. Establishing this PET facility is considered a strategic move to support national industry development, reduce import dependency, and enhance sustainable economic growth in Indonesia.