LyondellBasell successfully starts up new pilot molecular recycling facility
LyondellBasell successfully starts up new pilot molecular recycling facility
September 15, 2020
Press Release: LyondellBasell
LyondellBasell has announced the successful start-up of its ‘MoReTec’ molecular recycling facility at its Ferrara, Italy, site
The company’s proprietary MoReTec advanced recycling technology aims to return post-consumer plastic waste to its molecular form for use as a feed-stock for new plastic materials.
“Ending plastic waste in the environment and advancing the circular economy are key sustainability focus areas for our company,” commented Jim Seward, LyondellBasell senior vice president of R&D, Technology and Sustainability. “With our advanced plastics recycling technology, we return larger volumes of plastic waste back into the value chain and produce new materials for high-quality applications, retaining their value for as long as possible.”
The new plastic materials created by LyondellBasell’s MoReTec technology can be used in food packaging and healthcare items, which must meet strict regulatory requirements.
LyondellBasell conducts base research to lead the polymers industry toward advanced plastics recycling. In July 2018, it announced a collaborative effort with Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) to advance its molecular recycling efforts. This collaboration proved the efficiency of the MoReTec technology at laboratory scale and, in October 2019, the company announced the construction of the Ferrara pilot plant. Now, the company’s research and development teams in Germany, Italy and the USA are actively working to explore potential commercial-scale applications.
The pilot plant is capable of processing between 5-10kg of household plastic waste per hour and builds on LyondellBasell’s research to date. The pilot aims to understand the interaction of various waste types in the molecular recycling process, test the various catalysts, and confirm the process temperature and time needed to decompose the plastic waste into molecules. The goal is to have this completed over the next couple of years and then plan for an industrial-scale unit.
The development of MoReTec technology is part of LyondellBasell’s commitment to plastics-to-plastics conversion. The technology development compliments the company’s other circular solutions, which help reduce plastic waste and advance the circular economy
These circular solutions include developing new business models for mechanical recycling. In March 2018, LyondellBasell took 50% ownership of Quality Circular Polymers (QCP), a joint-venture with SUEZ. QCP uses a mechanical recycling process to produce premium plastic pellets from packaging waste for use in applications ranging from electrical appliances, washing detergent bottles and suitcases. The materials, marketed by LyondellBasell, can currently be found for example in Samsonite’s S’Cure ECO luggage collection.
Additionally, they they include the use of renewable feed-stocks for plastics production. In April 2019, LyondellBasell produced plastics using renewable raw materials such as cooking and vegetable oil waste, for use in food packaging, toys, and furniture. These products, marketed under the Circulen and Circulen plus brands, meet all regulatory requirements for purity and offer the same high-quality properties as virgin plastics.
Early Bird Registration is now open for the Plastic Free World Virtual Summit, which takes place live and on-demand on 9-10 November 2020. A two-day pass is available at the specially reduced rate of €499 (saving €200). Discounts are available for group bookings. Click here to secure your virtual seat