European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Ineos and Petroineos Partner with Plastic Energy on Plastic Recycling Breakthrough

At a glance
  • The trial will start in Q1-2022 at the INEOS Grangemouth facility in Scotland.
  • Plastic Energy's pyrolysis process converts post-consumer plastic into TACOIL.
  • Petroineos will process TACOIL to create Certified Circular plastic.
  • The project aims to develop the UK's first large-scale advanced recycling plant.

Project Overview

INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe and Plastic Energy are collaborating on a trial to convert hard-to-recycle plastic materials, such as flexible packaging, into food-grade quality plastic. This trial will take place in Q1-2022 at the INEOS Grangemouth facility in Scotland.

Advanced Recycling Process

Plastic Energy uses a pyrolysis process to convert post-consumer plastic into a liquid raw material called TACOIL. This material can replace fossil-derived materials in the production of food-grade and medical-grade plastics. The trial will utilize existing refinery operations at Grangemouth to process TACOIL supplied by Plastic Energy.

Collaboration and Goals

The project involves INEOS, Plastic Energy, and Petroineos, aiming to create a circular economy value chain in advanced recycling. The goal is to develop the UK's first large-scale advanced recycling plant, enhancing the circularity of packaging and reducing landfill waste.

Future Implications

This initiative is a step towards implementing advanced recycling technology at scale. It aims to ensure plastic is recovered for recycling and reuse, increasing recycling rates and driving a circular economy. The success of this trial will inform the development of future recycling plants and systems.