LyondellBasell Plans to Construct Large-Scale Chemical Recycling Facility in Germany

LyondellBasell has reached the definitive decision to construct its inaugural industrial-scale chemical recycling plant at the Wesseling site in Germany. This venture, initially disclosed in October of the preceding year, materialized through a joint effort with 23 Oaks Investments, resulting in the establishment of the joint venture company Source One Plastics.

Anticipated to boast an annual capacity of 50,000 tonnes, the facility is meticulously designed to process the plastic packaging waste equivalent to that generated by over 1.2 million German citizens. The construction timeline aims for completion by the conclusion of 2025. LyondellBasell underscores that this novel plant represents a pioneering commercial-scale, single-train advanced recycling facility dedicated to converting post-consumer plastic waste into feedstock for the production of new plastic materials, all while operating at net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The innovative plant will leverage LyondellBasell's proprietary MoReTec technology, a distinctive approach generating both pyrolysis oil and pyrolysis gas. Diverging from conventional pyrolysis processes, MoReTec technology facilitates the recovery of pyrolysis gas instead of its consumption as fuel. This strategy enhances the yield of the pyrolysis process and displaces fossil-based feedstocks, consequently reducing direct CO2 emissions.

Furthermore, LyondellBasell integrates its exclusive catalyst technology, which not only diminishes the process temperature but also curtails energy consumption. This lower energy requirement enables the utilization of electricity, including that from renewable sources. Peter Vanacker, CEO of LyondellBasell, emphasizes the company's commitment to tackling the global plastic waste challenge and advancing a circular economy.

Vanacker mentioned that scaling up their catalytic advanced recycling technology would enable them to reintegrate more significant quantities of plastic waste into the value chain. He added that this approach would provide them with the capability to generate more materials for high-quality applications, thereby preserving the value of plastics for an extended duration.

Source One Plastics, the collaborative entity, will be responsible for sourcing and processing mixed plastics and flexible materials, serving as the primary feedstock provider for the chemical recycling plant in Wesseling. The resulting recycled material will be incorporated into the production of polymers marketed by LyondellBasell under the CirculenRevive product line. These polymers find application in diverse sectors, including medical and food packaging.

LyondellBasell's strategic move to establish an industrial-scale chemical recycling plant aligns with its commitment to sustainable practices and the circular economy. The incorporation of innovative technologies not only addresses the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste but also positions the company as a leader in advancing recycling solutions on a commercial scale. As the construction progresses and the plant becomes operational, the impact on plastic waste management and the broader sustainability landscape is poised to be substantial.