Repsol Introduces EVA Products with 100% Content Derived from Chemical Recycling

Repsol has expanded its Reciclex portfolio with the introduction of a selection of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymers sourced exclusively from chemical recycling processes. This move represents a significant milestone in the market as it marks the first product to incorporate 100% circular AV derived from chemical recycling. The Spanish petrochemical giant's initiative follows a substantial investment of $2,77,16,650 in the establishment of a novel Reciclex production line at its Puertollano Industrial Complex in Spain. Notably, this complex already serves as the production site for Repsol's Primeva range of conventional EVA, playing a pivotal role in the development, testing, and eventual production of this groundbreaking solution.

The Reciclex portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of polyolefins and polyols, all sourced from chemical recycling processes. These materials are derived from plastic waste streams that are not amenable to mechanical recycling and would otherwise find their way into landfills, making Repsol's initiative an environmentally conscious endeavor. The novel EVA range has earned certification under the ISCC Plus mass balance approach, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable sourcing and production practices.

Repsol has positioned this chemical recycling solution as especially pertinent for EVA applications that cannot readily accommodate mechanical recycling due to the specific properties demanded by the final product. With the introduction of this new range, Repsol seeks to guarantee the suitability of its products for applications with heightened sensitivity requirements, such as those in the food contact industry, cosmetics sector, and healthcare field. By leveraging chemical recycling, Repsol aims to deliver materials that not only meet stringent industry standards but also contribute to the circular economy by reducing waste and promoting resource efficiency.

Furthermore, Repsol's Reciclex initiative is poised to expand its offerings to encompass polyols derived from the chemical recycling of polyurethane waste. In alignment with its sustainability objectives, Repsol is in the process of constructing a pioneering polyurethane foam recovery plant in Puertollano, which will be the first of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula. This state-of-the-art facility is expected to commence operations in 2023, further enhancing Repsol's capabilities in the realm of chemical recycling and reinforcing its commitment to sustainable practices.

Repsol's substantial investment and the launch of these new product ranges align closely with recent European and Spanish regulatory mandates. These regulations are geared toward achieving ambitious targets related to recycled content, particularly a goal of attaining 30% recycled content in plastic packaging by the year 2030. Repsol's proactive measures not only position the company as a leader in sustainable petrochemical production but also contribute to the broader industry's efforts to address environmental challenges and drive a circular economy.