Renewi and Freepoint Eco-Systems International Ltd. (Freepoint Eco-Systems) have announced plans to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on producing feedstock for advanced recycling of waste plastics. This collaboration aims to enhance waste diversion efforts from incineration by advancing sorting and treatment infrastructures. The objective is to supply 80,000 tonnes of feedstock for Freepoint Eco-Systems' inaugural European advanced recycling facility, slated for construction at the Kluizendok site in Ghent, Belgium. By pooling their expertise, these industry leaders in waste management and recycling are addressing the increasing demand for sustainable solutions for end-of-life plastics, while also leveraging pyrolysis oil to create recycled products, thereby promoting a circular economy approach.

The partnership between Renewi and Freepoint Eco-Systems signifies a transformative advancement in Europe's waste management infrastructure and a pivotal stride towards bolstering the circular economy. By addressing the gap between waste generation and product creation, this collaboration aligns seamlessly with ecological commitments such as the Green Deal and emerging mandates for increased recycled content in new products.

By diverting end-of-life plastics from incineration to advanced recycling processes, the project is anticipated to yield substantial reductions in CO2 emissions and diminish reliance on fossil resources for manufacturing. This initiative promises to deliver value across local and global circular economies, spanning from the extraction of raw materials from waste to the production of high-quality end products, thereby promoting sustainable practices and resource efficiency on a significant scale.

Mark Thys, Chief Operating Officer of Commercial Waste for Renewi, emphasized the significance of partnering with Freepoint Eco-Systems on their first advanced plastic recycling facility. He highlighted how this collaboration aligns with Renewi's strategy as a waste-to-product company, marking a pivotal step towards advancing the circular economy and sustainable solutions. By leveraging their combined expertise in waste and chemical sectors, Renewi aims to address the growing demand for innovative processes in managing end-of-life plastics effectively.

Jacco de Haas, Chief Commercial Officer of Recycling Europe at Freepoint Eco-Systems, underscored the necessity of cross-industrial collaboration in tackling the plastic waste crisis. He noted that integrating Renewi's expertise and their new sorting line will enable higher plastic recycling rates, transforming waste streams that would otherwise be incinerated into valuable resources through complementary methods alongside mechanical recycling.

Earlier this year, Freepoint Eco-Systems unveiled plans for its flagship advanced plastics recycling facility in Ghent. Over the coming months, Renewi and Freepoint will collaborate closely to establish the necessary pre-processing infrastructure. This infrastructure aims to facilitate the supply of 80,000 tonnes of feedstock for the plant. At the core of Freepoint's advanced recycling process is pyrolysis, a thermal decomposition method that heats plastic materials without oxygen. This process breaks down plastics into smaller molecules, effectively converting them into raw materials for new products.

Freepoint's facility will specialize in recycling complex, mixed plastics that are challenging to process through traditional mechanical recycling methods. This capability positions the facility as a valuable complement to mechanical recycling efforts, enhancing overall plastic waste management and contributing significantly to advancing circular economy objectives.