Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Blue Circle Olefins to Build Circular Olefins Plant in Rotterdam

Key highlights
  • The plant will have a 200-kilotonne capacity.
  • It will convert renewable methanol into ethylene and propylene.
  • The facility aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 80%.
  • The plant is expected to be operational by 2030.

Project Overview

Blue Circle Olefins is set to develop a Methanol-to-Olefins (MTO) production plant in Rotterdam. The facility will have a capacity of 200 kilotonnes and will convert renewable methanol into circular ethylene and propylene.

Environmental Impact

Once operational in 2030, the plant aims to reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions from plastics by more than 80% compared to current fossil-based production methods.

Strategic Location

Rotterdam, as Europe's largest methanol hub, offers an ideal location for the plant, aligning with the Port of Rotterdam's strategy to become a climate-neutral and circular port.

Industry Implications

The project supports the chemical industry's shift towards sustainability by providing a commercially viable route for producing fossil-free plastics and chemicals, reducing dependence on oil and gas imports in Europe.