Plastic Energy Launches Pilot Plant at UK R&D Labs

Key highlights
  • The pilot plant is located at Loughborough University Science & Enterprise Park.
  • Plastic Energy's technology converts plastic waste into TACOIL™.
  • The plant uses the TAC™ process, heating plastic waste without oxygen.
  • A digital twin of the plant aids data collection for new projects.

Overview

Plastic Energy has commissioned a new pilot plant at its research and development labs located in Loughborough University Science & Enterprise Park, UK. This facility aims to advance the company's chemical recycling technology.

Technology and Process

The pilot plant will utilize Plastic Energy's patented TAC™ process, which involves heating plastic waste in the absence of oxygen to convert it into TACOIL™. This output serves as a substitute for fossil oils in new plastic production.

Research and Development

The facility will focus on testing and optimizing the quality of TACOIL™, facilitating the transition of projects from laboratory to commercial scale. The ability to make adjustments within the pilot plant will enhance the efficiency and design of future projects.

Digital Twin

In addition to the physical plant, Plastic Energy is developing a digital twin to gather data on the performance of recycling plants currently under construction, aiding in the optimization of their processes.

Source: Plastic Energy

chemXplore Weekly

The week’s project milestones and project news from the chemical industry, free every Wednesday.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.

Related articles

19 March 2026
Plastic Energy powers start-up of TotalEnergies' Grandpuits advanced recycling plant

New 15,000 t/yr advanced recycling plant now producing TACOIL from hard-to-recycle plastics, feeding petrochemical sites to make high-quality, food- and medical-grade plastics.

27 August 2025
Plastic Energy and SABIC Produce First Recycled Oil in Dutch Plant

The plant produces TACOIL™ from hard-to-recycle plastic waste, aiming for full commercial operations and supporting EU recycling goals.

23 January 2025
Plastic Energy's New LCA Shows Up to 89% Emission Savings

Plastic Energy's recycling tech cuts CO2 emissions by up to 89% compared to incineration, per new LCA study by Sphera.