Closing the Packaging Loop: Plastics2Chemicals Recycling Plant Innovates PS and Polyolefin Solutions

The Port of Antwerp has welcomed a significant new development in recycling with the opening of Indaver Plastics2Chemicals' (P2C) first industrial plant dedicated to the advanced recycling of Polystyrene (PS) and Polyolefins (PO). These plastics, commonly found in food packaging such as yogurt cups, meat trays, and chip bags, will now be recycled into new high-quality raw materials through a self-developed technology. Remarkably, the purity of these materials is so high that they can be reused in food packaging, marking a European first in closing the loop on PS and PO recycling.

Over the next few years, Plastics2Chemicals will focus on PS and PO due to the challenges associated with recycling these materials. As Paul De Bruycker, CEO of Indaver, explains, current mechanical recycling methods produce low-quality recyclate, much of which ends up being incinerated. By contrast, the advanced recycling process at P2C produces certified recyclate that matches virgin plastic in quality, reducing the need for new raw material extraction.

The plant’s launch comes as industries are striving to meet the EU's ambitious recycling targets, including those set by the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive and the Single-Use Plastics Directive. These regulations require new packaging to incorporate more recycled content, further emphasizing the importance of innovations like those at Indaver P2C.

Indaver has been working on these solutions since 2017, long before such regulations came into play. Collaborating with academic institutions like UGent, UAntwerpen, and KU Leuven, the company developed advanced recycling technologies that are now delivering results for the entire plastics chain. P2C’s model also includes handling sorting, pre-treatment, logistics, and sustainable residue processing, making it easier for companies to integrate the recycled materials without changing their operations.

The facility has already secured agreements with partners like Citeo in France and Fost Plus in Belgium for the supply of plastics, while companies such as Trinseo, INEOS Styrolution, and TotalEnergies have committed to purchasing the recyclate. With construction complete, the plant will soon begin processing around 26,000 tons of plastic per year. The goal is to scale up operations by 2028, aiming to become Europe’s largest depolymerization facility and exploring opportunities for new plants across the continent.

Indaver, a leader in sustainable waste management, is a trusted partner for both industries and public authorities, delivering environmentally and economically responsible solutions. Offering high-quality, safe, and sustainable services, Indaver tailors its expertise in technology, market trends, and regulations to meet the specific needs of its clients. The company manages the entire waste management process, from on-site recycling to final treatment, providing comprehensive care that allows customers to save time and focus on their core operations without worry.