OREANDA-NEWS. April 04, 2017. LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB), one of the world's largest plastics, chemicals and refining companies, today announced it has joined the Astros Foundation's Community Leaders program as part of its global philanthropy efforts.

In partnership with the Astros Foundation, LyondellBasell will enhance youth ball fields in La Porte, Texas, where the company is building a new High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Plant, the first commercial site to employ LyondellBasell's new proprietary Hyperzone PE technology.  

"We thought Opening Day was the perfect time to announce this new partnership because we firmly believe that our company's core values of excellence, ownership and teamwork equal success in business, on the baseball diamond and in life," said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell. "For us, this partnership isn't just about enhancing youth ball fields but also about promoting our core values, an active, healthy lifestyle and giving back to this great community."

"We are very excited to welcome LyondellBasell into the Community Leaders program," said Houston Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane. "This program impacts thousands of local young athletes, giving them access to updated ball fields where they can play and develop both physically and mentally. Baseball and softball teach young players the importance of teamwork, perseverance and commitment, principles that will serve them not only on the field, but throughout their lives."

"We are grateful for the economic and philanthropic contributions LyondellBasell has made to our community over the years and we are thrilled that they have partnered with the Astros Foundation to bring new life to our ball fields so that children have a special place to learn life-long lessons," said La Porte Mayor Louis Rigby.

LyondellBasell's global philanthropic efforts are focused in the areas of education, health, environment and providing support for first responders. Over the last three years, the company has supported more than 990 charities around the world, while more than 9,200 employees have donated approximately 40,000 volunteer hours to local community service projects. In 2016, the company's United Way campaign raised approximately $1.7 million for the United Way of Greater Houston and the company remains an active supporter of many other local organizations, including Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, the Houston Food Bank and the Theater Under the Stars. The company has also actively supported the Harris County Sheriff's Industrial Unit Deputies, the Houston Police Department and the Houston Fire Department through grants that have enabled the purchase of needed safety equipment and specialized training.