The joint project to build a new, commercial-scale advanced recycling unit announced last year by Sabic and Plastic Energy has reached the engineering and construction phase, the companies have reported.
The plant will serve to produce the certified circular polymers that make up part of Sabic’s Trucircle portfolio. As the world’s first commercial unit to significantly upscale production of these polymers, which are made from the upcycling of mixed and used plastic, the project testifies to the companies’ ongoing commitment to achieving a circular economy for plastics
The new plant will use Plastic Energy’s advanced recycling technology to convert low quality, mixed, and used plastic, otherwise destined for incineration or landfill, into a feedstock which the company calls Tacoil. This Tacoil will be used by Sabic in their production process as an alternative to traditional fossil feedstock, to create new circular polymers.
The new unit will be located in Geleen, the Netherlands and is expected to become operational in the second half of 2022. The project will be realised under a 50-50 joint venture called SPEAR (Sabic Plastic Energy Advanced Recycling) BV, and is supported by a Top Sector Energy Subsidy from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands.
Sabic launched its Trucircle portfolio at the end of 2019 and has since collaborated with Plastic Energy and leading customers and converters to produce and commercialise these certified circular polymers. The portfolio is a considerable milestone on the journey towards closing the loop and creating a circular economy for plastics.
The new unit will enable production of these polymers be be significantly scaled up, providing manufacturers with access to more sustainable materials as market demand for these continues to grow.