INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe and Plastic Energy have announced a trial of chemical recycling technology at INEOS’ Grangemouth facility in Scotland.
Beginning in the first quarter of this year, the trial will look at converting hard-to-recycle material into food grade plastic packaging.
It will inform the development of a large-scale advanced recycling plant, which will be the first of its kind in the UK, according to the companies.
Existing refinery operations at Grangemouth will be used to process the TACOIL created by Plastic Energy’s chemical recycling system.
Recycled raw material will be provided by INEOS’ joint venture company Petroineos, which it operates with PetroChina.
Plastic Energy founder and chief executive Carlos Monreal said: “We are pleased to announce this trial in Scotland, which exemplifies a strong partnership between companies working together to take big strides to reduce plastic waste in the UK.
“Working with INEOS, we are pleased to see our advanced recycling technology being used as a core component to improve the circularity of packaging.”
INEOS Olefins & Polymers (UK) Europe business director Peter Grant added: “INEOS is delighted to be working with Plastic Energy at Grangemouth (as well as our colleagues in Petroineos) to lead the way on this important reprocessing route.
“Turning end of life plastic into new food-grade quality packaging products makes environmental and commercial sense. This innovative trial is a further positive step towards eliminating waste and makes circular economy solutions possible.
“Advanced recycling adds to the existing initiatives within our product portfolio to make greater use of post-consumer material, while ensuring that sustainable solutions meet all safety, quality and performance in-use standards.”
