At the G20 Bali Summit earlier this week, ExxonMobil, PT Indomobil Prima Energi (IPE), and chemical recycling pioneer Plastic Energy, signed a memorandum of understanding to assess the potential for large-scale implementation of chemical recycling technology in Indonesia.
Some 100,000 metric tons capacity per year are envisioned, according to the partners. The first phase is projected to be completed in 2025. The companies will also look at improving the plastic waste collection and sorting systems in the country.
PT Indomobil Prima Energi is an Indonesian-based Indomobil Group subsidiary. It operates numerous distributorships, plant facilities, as well as thousands of retail fuel stations. By leveraging IPE’s network and access to local communities, IPE aims to make a difference through the implementation of chemical plastic recycling technology in Indonesia.
“Indomobil Prima Energi is committed in realising a circular economy to create a better sustainable future,” said Gerry Kertowidjojo, president director of IPE. “This initiative is a collective notion that calls for action and synergy from all stakeholders to play a role as part of a responsible society.”
“Plastics help to raise living standards around the world, including in Indonesia, given their critical use in agriculture, food packaging, medical equipment and more,” said Dave Andrew, vice president of new market development at ExxonMobil.
“Leveraging new technologies and the expertise of our combined organisations, we can accelerate a circular economy for plastics in the region, so that more plastics can be turned into new products instead of ending up in the environment.”
ExxonMobil plans to build approximately 500,000 metric tons of chemical recycling capacity at its integrated manufacturing facilities around the world by year-end 2026, including in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. At its facility in Baytown, Texas, ExxonMobil has processed more than 6,700 metric tons of plastic waste since startup up in 2021 and is on track to complete large-scale expansion of the facility by the end of this year. ExxonMobil has also signed a memorandum of understanding for chemical recycling in Malaysia and is collaborating with Plastic Energy on an advanced recycling plant in France.
Plastic Energy already has two commercial recycling plants in Spain, which use its patented TAC process to convert plastics into a feedstock called Tacoil, which can then be used to create virgin-quality plastics. Plastic Energy has several plants under construction in Europe, including a 25,000 metric ton capacity plant in France and an offtake collaboration agreement with ExxonMobil, and an MoU for a new advanced recycling project in Malaysia.
“Indonesia and the Asia Pacific region is an area of the world that is greatly impacted by plastic waste,” said Carlos Monreal, founder and CEO of Plastic Energy. “With this MoU with ExxonMobil and Indomobil Prima Energi, we aim to utilize our unique and patented advanced recycling technology to provide a solution for recycling plastic waste in Indonesia, helping to curb plastic waste and promote a more circular economy for plastics.”