Green tie-ups: Aduro Clean/NexGen Polymers to collaborate on HCT demo plant; OMV receives EU funding for industrial-scale chemical recycling plant in Austria

Technology firm Aduro Clean Technologies Inc has announced an MOU with materials firm NexGen Polymers to develop a demonstration-scale Hydrochemolytic Technology (HCT) plant including securing feedstock supply, potential site selection, and plant operations.

Aduro is currently constructing its Next Generation Process (NGP) HCT pilot plant, targeted for commissioning in Q3 2025. This pilot plant will serve as a key scale-up step, generating critical data to support the transition to a larger demonstration plant. With the anticipated successful commissioning and testing of the pilot plant, Aduro plans to advance toward a demonstration-scale facility, initially designed to process 8,000 tonnes/year.

NexGen Polymers, a supplier and broker of virgin and recycled polymers, brings over 30 years of experience in polymer supply chain management, infrastructure, and logistics. The company specialises in securing, storing, and distributing polymer feedstocks through its extensive logistics network, which includes warehousing, rail, and truck infrastructure. This partnership will leverage NexGen’s expertise to support key operational requirements for Aduro’s planned demonstration facility.

The MOU is comprised of three phases: Phases two and three of the MOU are non-binding and outline a framework for the execution of a potential joint venture agreement as well as a proposed collaboration on the commissioning and operations of a demonstration plant. The technology, including any improvements or modifications made during the proposed joint venture, will remain the sole and exclusive property of Aduro. Phase one is binding between Aduro and NexGen and outlines activities where the parties will collaborate on critical feasibility factors that lay the groundwork for the next

In other news, Austrian chemical firm OMV and the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) have signed a grant agreement for OMV’s planned industrial ReOil plant, securing up to EUR81.6 million funding. The company has been operating pilot plant at Schwechat converting mixed-waste plastics into pyrolysis oil since 2018 and a scaled-up version could process up to 200,000 tonnes/year of waste plastic.

This marks the first time that OMV receives a grant from the EU Innovation Fund, representing the largest public funding that OMV has ever received for a stand-alone project. 

Using OMV’s proprietary ReOil chemical recycling technology, this recycled material can be converted into sustainable base chemicals and be used to manufacture a variety of products in the chemical industry, including new plastics. The final investment decision by OMV for this plant is subject to final approval.

The grant for OMV is part of the European Union´s Innovation Fund program, one of the world’s largest programs for promoting innovative low-carbon technologies. The program focuses on highly innovative technologies and flagship projects in Europe, aimed at achieving significant CO2 emission reductions. 

More than 15 years ago, OMV was among the first companies in the world to pioneer the development of its own chemical recycling technology for mixed-used plastics. Since then, the ReOil pilot plant at the OMV Schwechat refinery, near Vienna, Austria, has completed nearly 30,000 cracking hours to date. By complementing existing OMV Group’s recycling facilities, this initiative is a key pillar of OMV’s circular economy and transformation strategy.

“We are delighted to receive this substantial grant from the EU Innovation Fund. It is a testament to the innovation power of OMV. By processing mixed plastic waste that cannot be mechanically recycled and converting it subsequently into valuable raw materials, our groundbreaking ReOil® technology contributes to the circular economy. It is an important part of our goal to become climate-neutral by 2050 at the latest,” says Martijn van Koten, Member of the OMV Executive Board, Executive Vice President Fuels & Feedstock and Executive Vice President Chemicals.

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