Operations

On our offshore platforms, in our refineries, at our lubes and chemical plants, and throughout our facilities worldwide, our people are ensuring that we continue to safely and efficiently produce the energy society needs to face this crisis, while protecting themselves and others.

For example:

• On April 15, ExxonMobil announced plans to increase manufacturing capacity for the production of polypropylene – which is used to make medical-grade masks, shields and gowns – and isopropyl alcohol (IPA), used to produce hand sanitizer. The move could produce enough extra polypropylene to make 200 million masks or 20 million gowns, and enough IPA for 50 million bottles of hand sanitizer.

• On April 2, ExxonMobil and the Global Center for Medical Innovation announced they were beginning a multi-sector and joint-development effort to rapidly redesign and manufacture reusable personal protection equipment for health care workers, such as face shields and masks. ExxonMobil will apply its deep knowledge and experience with polymer-based technologies to this effort to facilitate development and expedite third-party production of innovative safety equipment that can be sterilized and worn multiple times.
• As the outbreak of COVID-19 continues to evolve, we are working with our wholesalers, retailers and their service station personnel at Exxon, Mobil and Esso service stations to implement enhanced measures for safety and convenience:
  • Service stations are more frequently cleaned and sanitized, from fuel nozzles to store countertops to door handles.
  • At the pump, we recommend using a mobile payment where available, such as our Exxon Mobil Rewards+™ app, to limit contact with surfaces.
  • Our convenience stores represent a quick and easy resource for purchasing food and personal care items. We are focused on keeping these essential items in stock and on the shelves for you.
• Our chemical company is a leading producer of isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is used to create a range of goods, including hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol and cleaning wipes, as well as other medical and pharmaceutical uses.
  • The IPA unit at our refining and chemical facility in Baton Rouge (Louisiana) is the largest in the world.
  • This year, 2020, marks the 100th year since ExxonMobil (Standard Oil of New Jersey at that time) first introduced commercial-scale production and supply of IPA to the market.
  • IPA was the first synthetic alcohol to be produced and employed technology invented in-house in 1919.
  • As part of our COVID-19 response, we are prioritizing and maximizing production of IPA from the facility to help meet the significant rise in demand.
  • We are working to supply IPA to areas of need—including to the states of New York and Louisiana, some of the most affected areas in the United States by COVID-19.
• ExxonMobil also produces a wide range of products which serve as the building blocks for products used in health, hygiene and/or sanitation applications. These include:
  • Performance fluids that are used in a variety of hard-surface cleaning products at hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
  • Polypropylene used to manufacture hygiene products, face masks, and medical gowns.
  • Oxo alcohols that are used in the production of surfactants found in a broad range of cleaning products including soaps, detergents and other cleaning agents, and
  • Halobutyl rubber, used in the production of pharmaceutical stoppers used in the final packaging of medical preparations, especially those intended to be sterile.