Source One Plastics, a collaboration between 23 Oaks Investments and LyondellBasell, has announced the commencement of operations at its new plastic waste sorting and recycling facility.
Located in Eicklingen, Germany, the facility processes post-consumer plastic waste, including mixed plastic packaging and flexible polyolefins.
The plant boasts a dry processing method that aims to cut energy usage by up to 30% in comparison to traditional plastic recycling methods.
This technology is also designed to significantly reduce the production of fine plastic dust, thereby preventing its release into the environment.
Powered by local renewable energy sources, the factory is expected to process 70,000 tonnes (t) of plastic waste per year. Source One aims to hire 30 positions at its Eicklingen site.
The processed plastic waste from Eicklingen will significantly contribute to the feedstock for LyondellBasell's upcoming commercial-scale catalytic advanced recycling plant in Wesseling, Germany.
LyondellBasell Circular and Low Carbon Solutions executive vice-president Yvonne van der Laan said: “We celebrate today the opening of our joint venture Source One Plastics facility with valued partners, employees and local stakeholders.
“This marks another important milestone in our strategy to transform recycled material into high-quality polymer. This state-of-the-art advanced sorting facility will turn post-consumer mixed plastic waste into feedstock for our integrated hub in Cologne area. There, we will use cutting-edge technologies to close the loop of plastic materials and create sustainable solutions for society.”
Founded in October 2022, Source One Plastics offers a comprehensive range of services, including the procurement, sorting, and pretreatment of waste plastic to produce feedstock suitable for advanced recycling.
Through this process, LyondellBasell is manufacturing polymers for various applications.
Recently, LyondellBasell announced the acquisition of mechanical recycling assets in California, US, from recycling and waste management service provider, PreZero.
