Versalis Launches Hoop® Demo Plant for Plastic Recycling in Mantua
- Construction of the 5,000 sqm Hoop® demo plant began in October 2023.
- The plant processes 6,000 tonnes of secondary raw material annually.
- A 40,000-tonne facility is planned for Priolo, Sicily.
- The project received funding from the 2023 EU Innovation Fund.
Introduction
Versalis has launched a demonstration plant at its Mantua site, utilizing Hoop® technology for chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste. This complements mechanical recycling by converting waste into feedstock for new plastic materials, including those suitable for food and pharmaceutical packaging.
Technology and Development
Hoop® was developed in collaboration with Italian engineering firm S.R.S., achieving high material recovery yields and flexibility in input materials. The technology combines a high thermal performance pyrolysis reactor with Versalis’s expertise in polymer analysis and production optimization through AI systems.
Construction and Capacity
The plant, covering 5,000 square meters, began construction in October 2023, involving over 25 specialized contractors and an average daily workforce of 70. It can process 6,000 tonnes of secondary raw material annually, serving to validate the technology on an industrial scale.
Future Plans
Under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, a 40,000-tonne facility is planned for Priolo, Sicily. The feasibility study is complete, and the design phase is underway, preparing for the permitting process.
Recognition and Funding
The SC-HOOP project at Mantua is the only Italian large-scale project funded by the 2023 EU Innovation Fund, selected from 239 proposals. The patent will be showcased in Italy and at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Source: Versalis