European Chemical Industry News & Insights

Covestro Invests in BioBTX for Innovative Recycling Technology

At a glance
  • Covestro invests a mid-single-digit million Euro amount in BioBTX.
  • The demonstration plant will convert 20 kilotons of mixed plastic waste per year.
  • The plant is scheduled to be operational by early 2027.
  • Chemicals produced include benzene, toluene, and xylene.

Investment and Partners

Covestro is investing a mid-single-digit million Euro amount in BioBTX to support the construction of the world’s first demonstration plant for the BioBTX ICCP-Technology in the Netherlands. Financial investors Invest-NL and Infinity Recycling are also involved in the project.

Technology and Production

The BioBTX ICCP-Technology enables the production of chemicals such as benzene, toluene, and xylene from organic and mixed plastic waste. These chemicals are essential for the chemical industry and plastics production. The demonstration plant will convert 20 kilotons of mixed plastic waste per year and is a crucial step towards industrial-scale implementation.

Timeline

The demonstration plant is scheduled to be operational by early 2027. This plant represents a significant advancement in chemical recycling, making mixed waste from different source materials suitable for the process.

Development and Cooperation

Covestro has been cooperating with BioBTX for over four years and has launched the EU-funded Circular Foam project, focusing on recycling rigid polyurethane foam using pyrolysis. The partnership includes two joint development agreements to explore further recycling possibilities and improve plant performance through digitalization.