LyondellBasell to Construct Comprehensive Plastic Waste Recycling Center in Knapsack

LyondellBasell (LYB) has secured a site for an integrated plastic waste recycling center south of an established industrial park in Knapsack, Germany, through a land lease agreement with YNCORIS GmbH & Co. KG. The center aims to amalgamate diverse advanced sorting and recycling operations, contributing to addressing the plastic waste challenge and fostering the circular economy. The project will unfold in stages, with the initial phase focusing on erecting an advanced sorting facility. This facility will process mixed plastic waste, transforming it into feedstock for both mechanical and advanced recycling. Currently, this mixed plastic waste is not subject to recycling and is predominantly incinerated for energy recovery purposes.

The comprehensive recycling hub will span an area equal to 20 soccer fields. The initial advanced sorting facility within the hub is projected to commence operations in the first quarter of 2026. These fresh investments align with the company's goal to manufacture and distribute a minimum of 2 million metric tons of recycled and renewable-based polymers annually by 2030.

"The Knapsack industrial park provides an ideal location for our integrated hub, as it is close to our expansive facilities in Wesseling, allowing us to develop additional technologies for plastic waste recycling," remarks Yvonne van der Laan, LyondellBasell's Executive Vice President of Circular and Low Carbon Solutions. "By integrating diverse technologies, we aim to expand our capacity and provide customers with an extensive array of products sourced from recycled and renewable materials."

"The integrated recycling hub will additionally generate feedstock for the advanced recycling unit slated for construction at our Wesseling site," explains Stephan Staender, interim manager of the Wesseling-Knapsack site. "Moreover, this new hub will foster synergies with our mechanical recycling facility in Geleen, Netherlands, and our polypropylene compounding facility in Knapsack."

Ralf Müller, CEO of YNCORIS, emphasizes, "This transition to our expansion site in the industrial park in Knapsack marks a pivotal step in reshaping Germany's chemical industry towards a circular economy." Christoph Kappenhagen, Managing Director, further notes, "Throughout the years, the site has seen continuous evolution, with its workforce consistently demonstrating innovation and dedication, steering the site towards a progressive future."

LyondellBasell, a frontrunner in the worldwide chemical industry, is dedicated to crafting solutions for sustainable living. Through cutting-edge technology and strategic investments, the company is spearheading the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Renowned as one of the globe's foremost polymer producers and a pioneer in polyolefin technologies, LyondellBasell innovates, manufactures, and promotes top-notch products. These offerings cater to a wide array of needs, spanning from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and healthcare excellence.