INEOS and Recuro to build advanced pyrolysis recycling plant at Bamble (33,000 t/yr)
- The 'Full Circle' plant will process up to 33,000 metric tonnes of end-of-life plastic waste annually at INEOS’ Bamble polymer site.
- The facility will be powered entirely by renewable Norwegian energy and use advanced pyrolysis to retain oil and gas fractions rather than diverting them to energy generation.
- Recycled outputs will be used at the Rafnes cracker to produce recycled ethylene and enable manufacture of virgin-quality recycled polyethylene for food and medical packaging.
- The project reuses existing industrial infrastructure to cut costs and footprint and aims to support compliance with the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
Project overview
INEOS and Recuro have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop the ‘Full Circle’ advanced recycling facility at INEOS’ Bamble polymer site. Once commissioned, the plant will process up to 33,000 metric tonnes of end-of-life plastic waste annually, intended to boost availability of recycled feedstocks to help meet the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements.
Technology and energy
The plant will run entirely on renewable Norwegian energy and is designed for minimal emissions. It will use advanced pyrolysis technology that breaks plastics into oil, gas and char; the project prioritises retaining both oil and gas fractions for further reuse rather than sending them to energy generation to maximise recovery of embedded carbon.
Integration and outputs
INEOS will convert the recycled pyrolysis product at its Rafnes cracker into recycled ethylene, enabling the nearby Bamble facility to produce virgin-quality recycled polyethylene that meets regulatory standards for high-performance applications such as food and medical packaging, supporting higher overall recycling rates.
Partnerships and rationale
The initiative aims to combine environmental responsibility with economic viability by reusing existing industrial infrastructure, land and services to reduce costs and the environmental footprint. Recuro cites government support from Innovation Norway and a technology partnership with Vixla; INEOS stresses the need for clear, harmonised regulatory rules that recognise advanced recycling outputs to give investors legal certainty.
Source: INEOS