Recycling: Technip/Anellotech to develop recycling tech; LyondellBasell/Genox open jv plastics recycling plant in China

Tech firm Technip Energies and sustainable materials firm Anellotech Inc have signed a global joint development agreement to work cooperatively to further develop and then license Anellotech’s Plas-TCat process, a one-step thermal-catalytic recycling technology that converts mixed plastic wastes back into its constituent basic chemicals, with a specific focus to benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) that can be used to make most virgin plastics.

The companies will bring their combined process technology expertise and know-how to complete comprehensive performance trials at Anellotech’s 100 tonnes/year nameplate feed rate demonstration plant in Silsbee, Texas. It will incorporate Technip Energies’ downstream processing units, leading to a process design for use by Technip Energies in its role as the global Plas-TCat licensor.

The Plas-TCat process can feed all major plastics with predictable end-product yields. This process can reduce CO2 emission up to 50% compared to the production of virgin monomers in naphtha crackers.

Bhaskar Patel, SVP Sustainable Fuels, Chemicals and Circularity at Technip Energies said: “For us, this is another opportunity to contribute to the circular economy, including now in Japan.”

David Sudolsky, Founder/President/CEO of Anellotech, stated “Anellotech looks forward to engaging with Technip Energies, a global leader in petrochemical, fluid catalytic cracking, refining and steam cracker technologies. This collaboration will provide the scalable, cost-efficient, attractive LCA solution needed to address plastic sustainability. Together with our strategic funding partner R Plus Japan Ltd., we will work towards accelerating the global licensing and commercialisation of the Plas-TCat process.”

In other news, LyondellBasell has announced the opening of the plastics recycling joint venture in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province in Southern China with China’s Genox Recycling. The plastic recycling plant will use mechanical recycling technology to recycle plastic waste and produce new polymers, adding to the LyondellBasell CirculenRecover product portfolio. The jv will operate under the name Guangdong Genox LyondellBasell New Material Co.

“We celebrate the opening of our pioneering joint venture facility with valued partners, customers, employees and local stakeholders.” said Allen Yu, LyondellBasell senior vice president, Asia Pacific. “The JV opening demonstrates our determination to support the growth of our customers in the region by driving sustainable solutions together with our partners.”

The officials said the JV combines the strengths of both shareholders to deliver the result. This includes partnering with Genox through an off-take business and developing innovative products to meet customer’s needs. “This new joint venture will help develop the local plastics recycling infrastructure in China and contribute to a circular economy,” they added.

“Genox is constantly exploring the industry value chain, and we are delighted to partner with LyondellBasell so we can leverage our advantages to lead the development of plastics recycling,” said Jingfa Jiang, Chairman of Genox Recycling.

SUBSCRIBE to Get the Latest Updates from PRA    Click Here»