Swiss-based chemical recycling company Enespa has acquired a 40% stake in Finnish start-up PlastEco, forming a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating sustainable plastic waste processing. As part of the collaboration, Enespa will provide PlastEco with a state-of-the-art pyrolysis plant at its headquarters in Lahti, Finland. This move is expected to bolster chemical recycling efforts in the region and strengthen both companies’ commitment to circular economy solutions.

The first module of the new plant is set to begin operations in April 2025, with an initial capacity to process five tonnes of plastic waste per day. The partners have already secured a buyer for the entire expected output of the plant, ensuring a steady market for the pyrolysis oil produced. The buyer has also expressed readiness to increase procurement as production scales up, signaling strong demand for the high-quality recycled material.

Under the agreement, Enespa will continue supporting PlastEco by delivering additional plants on an annual basis and expanding existing capacities. The long-term goal is to enhance the efficiency of chemical recycling technologies and increase the volume of plastic waste converted into reusable resources. PlastEco’s advanced chemical recycling technology can transform 1,000 kilograms of plastic waste into 1,000 liters of clean pyrolysis oil, a fully reusable raw material for plastic production. This high-efficiency process aligns with the global push toward reducing plastic waste and minimizing environmental impact.

“In Enespa Group, we believe we have found the perfect partner to bring our vision of a sustainable circular economy to life. The delivery of the first plant marks the beginning of an extensive collaboration,” said Kari Larjava, CEO of PlastEco. The Finnish company will play a key role in sourcing local feedstock, a strategy designed to reduce operational costs and improve resource efficiency through optimized logistics. By prioritizing local material sourcing, PlastEco aims to create a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly recycling operation.

Enespa has been an active player in the chemical recycling sector. In 2021, the company, in partnership with Germany-based Biofabrik Technologies, announced plans to develop a modular pyrolysis plant near Dresden, Germany, with an annual capacity of 60,000 tonnes. However, no recent updates on the progress of this project have been reported.

With its investment in PlastEco, Enespa strengthens its position in the chemical recycling industry and reaffirms its commitment to developing sustainable waste-to-resource solutions. The partnership is expected to drive innovation in chemical recycling, enhance plastic waste management, and contribute to a more sustainable future by reducing reliance on virgin plastic production and promoting circular economy principles.