QMRE makes market comeback, unveils new decentralised pyrolysis system

UK-based chemical recycler QMRE has unveiled its new decentralised, scalable pyrolysis system, called Víxla.

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 counterpart.

QMRE is deploying a system on a trial-basis with capacity to convert 1 tonne of plastic waste waste into 1,000 litters of pyrolytic oil. A roll-out of production systems, with 5 tonnes per day capacity, is scheduled throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond.

Víxla was developed by Norwegian technology provider Eagle Technology. QMRE provided Eagle with inputs from its demonstration plant in Kent, England.

QMRE first started operating its demo facility in 2020, 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.

“The obstacles were actually caused by QMRE further developing the original system by adding processes to fully meet the requirements of the UK market and our customers,” Richard Burke, marketting communications at QMRE told Sustainable Plastics. “So, things like practically self-powered operation, removal of gas flares, use of pyro-oils to run the product etc. Our early work on this pyrolysis system was on the WASTX system but our co-operation with Eagle has resulted in an effective thermolysis system – Vixla.”

Now, QMRE is introducing a network of the new Víxla systems throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland, some of which will be owned and operated by QMRE and others by its customers.  

“We are delighted with QMRE as the partner for our first delivery,” CTO of Eagle Technology, Ørjan Samuelsen. “With years of operational experience and an experienced and skilled team, we are confident that it will be a perfect place for joint learning to further develop and optimise the system together,” he concluded.