May 20 2009
This year marks the fifth anniversary of LyondellBasell Industries' unique no-frills, online polyolefins business channel, Alastian.
"Launched in 2004, Alastian has proven to be the most successful online tool in the polyolefins industry," said Filip Van de Vliet, General Manager of Alastian. We now have nearly 5,000 registered users worldwide who benefit from the many services we offer through this platform."
Alastian sells polyolefins in nearly 50 countries worldwide. The broad range of grades available through Alastian has grown from 40 to more than 80 prime polypropylene (PP), high density polyethylene (HDPE) and low density polyethylene grades (LDPE). Selected from among the LyondellBasell products most in demand, the resins are used by customers in applications ranging from injection molding and packaging to film and blow molding.
Global operations
Alastian has been created for customers requiring a fast, easy-to-use and competitively priced source of quality polyolefins. Within the variety of LyondellBasell's channels to market, it is a tool that enables customers to purchase products using one platform, beginning with the initial offer all the way to delivery and payment. At Alastian, online customers can check prices, place orders and track deliveries at any time of the day and night. Initially targeting experienced customers in Western Europe, Alastian has been rolled out to North America, Central and Eastern Europe, and most recently to Asia Pacific.
Added Van de Vliet, "The launch of Alastian in the Asian market represents a significant step towards making the channel a truly global operation. We've had a very promising start in the region, with nearly 200 registered users to date. All of the regions we serve through Alastian have recognized that this online business is truly unique in the polyolefins industry. With its pricing transparency and real choice of service levels, Alastian is the smarter way to buy resins for customers who do not require all of the extras associated with traditional sales channels."
Increased online business
"We expect Alastian to further increase in popularity over time," explained Yves Bonte, LyondellBasell's Senior Vice President for Polypropylene. "Web-based tools provide the flexibility customers demand during a difficult business environment."
According to a recent customer survey, more than 92 percent of registered users would recommend Alastian. "This level of satisfaction provides us with additional incentive to adapt our Alastian offerings to meet the changing customer needs in this critical period," concluded Van de Vliet. Among other improvements, we are working closely with LyondellBasell's supply chain organization to ensure that customers receive the shortest lead times possible."