UK-based chemical recycler QM Recycled Energy (QMRE) has sold the first Víxla plastic waste-2-oil systems to a UK-based customer, A&M Renewables.
QMRE is one of the four members of a consortium that entered into a partnership agreement with Norway-based Eagle Technology, under which the consortium will sell, distribute and deploy Eagle Technology’s pyrolysis-based recycling technology Víxla. QMRE’s territory is the UK and Northern Ireland. Also participating are Plast 2 Circular, who will be active in Spain & Portugal; CosaREC, who will cover Belgium, Luxembourg, Holland & France; and Blue Cycle, who will handle Nigeria & South Africa.
The container-based solution eliminates the need for transporting plastic waste to large, centralised factories, and is much cheaper to build and operate than its large-scale counterparts.
QMRE first started operating its demo facility in 2020 in Kent, England, then using a pyrolysis system provided by German manufacturer Biofabrik, called P-250 WASTX. However, the company faced ‘some engineering obstacles’ alongside delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought the roll out of that technology to a halt.
It made a comeback in early 2024 by partnering with Eagle Technology instead, aiming to introduce a network of Víxla systems throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.
Now, QRME has entered into a commercial joint venture with Oxfordshire-based start-up A&M Renewables. A&M will purchase two Víxla systems from QMRE who will operate the systems on behalf of A&M at its Kent plant.
QRME says a Víxla system has a pyrolysis oil yield of 85%, with the remaining 15% of output being non-condensable gas used to heat the process (12%) and 3% carbon ash that may be used in construction products. The system operates for 330 days of the year.
Through the joint venture, QRME and A&M Renewables will seek to further develop the Víxla system to maximise efficacy and efficiency.
“QMRE is truly delighted to be working with A&M Renewables who are the first company to take advantage of the commercial and environmental benefits that follow on from the beginning of our rollout of a national network of VIXLA plastic Waste-2-Oil systems,” said Tim StClair-Perce, QMRE CEO.