Freepoint Eco-Systems to build its first chemical recycling plant in Europe

US-based Freepoint Eco-Systems has announced plans to build ‘the first of several’ chemical recycling plants in Europe.

The company’s subsidiary Freepoint Eco-Systems Belgium NV has signed a long-term concession agreement with North Sea Port, which owns the port area where the facility will be built.

Situated in the Kluizendok site on the left bank of Ghent-Terneuzen Canal, Belgium, the pyrolysis plant is expected to span 10 hectares and have a capacity to recycle approximately 80,000 tonnes of plastic waste a year.  

The project is designed for future expansion, with a plot capable of supporting an anticipated total recycling capacity of approximately 160,000 tonnes/year. Freepoint is currently engaged in feedstock sourcing and financial planning, the company said in a statement. Construction is planned to start upon completion of the permitting process, which is expected in 2025.

"The announcement of our inaugural European location signifies the next phase in our global strategy," said Oscar Gutierrez, president of Freepoint Eco-Systems International. "We look forward to supporting the European waste management industry, offering solutions for hard-to-recycle plastic streams… The strategic location of North Sea Port aligns perfectly with our business model of building circular economy infrastructure at scale with access to superior logistics, enabling us to better serve our global customers,” he added.

Freepoint is currently building a 90,000 tonnes/year pyrolysis plant in Ohio, United States, which it said is scheduled to start operations this year. It has also announced plans for another 180,000 tonnes/year plant in Eloy, Arizona.