- The pilot plant processes 5-10 kg of household plastic waste per hour.
- Collaboration with Karlsruhe Institute of Technology began in July 2018.
- Construction of the Ferrara pilot plant was announced in October 2019.
- LyondellBasell took 50% ownership of Quality Circular Polymers in March 2018.
Facility Launch
LyondellBasell has successfully started its MoReTec molecular recycling facility in Ferrara, Italy. This advanced recycling technology converts post-consumer plastic waste into feedstock for new plastic materials.
Technology and Applications
The MoReTec technology aims to support sustainability by returning larger volumes of plastic waste into the value chain. The new materials produced can be used in applications such as food packaging and healthcare items, which must meet strict regulatory standards.
Research and Development
Since July 2018, LyondellBasell has collaborated with Germany's Karlsruhe Institute of Technology to advance molecular recycling. This partnership validated the MoReTec technology at a laboratory scale, leading to the construction of the Ferrara pilot plant announced in October 2019.
Pilot Plant Capabilities
The Ferrara pilot plant processes between 5 and 10 kilograms of household plastic waste per hour. The pilot aims to understand the interaction of various waste types, test catalysts, and determine the optimal process conditions for decomposing plastic waste into molecules. The goal is to complete this research within the next few years and plan for an industrial-scale unit.
Complementary Initiatives
LyondellBasell's MoReTec technology complements other circular solutions, such as mechanical recycling through its joint venture with SUEZ, Quality Circular Polymers, and the use of renewable feedstocks for plastics production. These initiatives help reduce plastic waste and advance the circular economy.
