LyondellBasell Begins Construction of Advanced Recycling Plant in Wesseling, Germany

On September 19, 2024, LyondellBasell took a significant step toward sustainable growth by laying the groundwork for its first catalytic advanced recycling plant at its Wesseling, Germany facility. The event was attended by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Minister-President Hendrik Wüst, highlighting the project's relevance to Germany's ambitions for a circular and low-carbon economy. The plant is slated to begin operations in 2026 and is a key part of LyondellBasell's strategy to develop a profitable Circular and Low Carbon Solutions business.

Utilizing LYB’s proprietary MoReTec technology, this facility will be the first commercial-scale, single-train advanced recycling plant, designed to demonstrate its scalability. The plant will convert pre-treated, mixed waste plastics into raw materials, which will then be transformed into new plastic polymers branded as LYB CirculenRevive. These polymers will complement the company's existing offerings of mechanically recycled and renewable-based polymers, marketed under CirculenRecover and CirculenRenew, respectively.

Chancellor Scholz emphasized the plant's significance for the chemical industry in Germany, stating, "The new LYB plant in Wesseling represents the future viability of this industry. As the first large-scale industrial plant for chemical plastic recycling, it is a crucial step toward a circular economy." He assured that the German government is dedicated to bolstering the chemical industry's presence in the country.

LyondellBasell's CEO, Peter Vanacker, remarked that investments like this are essential to meet the growing demand for sustainable products from customers and society at large. He noted that the new facility could transform hard-to-recycle mixed plastic waste generated by over 1.2 million people in Germany into valuable raw materials. Furthermore, he mentioned that this facility is just the beginning, with plans for additional MoReTec plants already underway.

The company anticipates that its MoReTec technology will facilitate a gradual shift from traditional fossil-based raw materials to circular resources. The catalytic nature of the technology is designed to conserve energy and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, serving as a model for future investments. The project has received a €40 million grant from the EU Innovation Fund.

Vanacker also stressed the need for enhanced support for the European industry, advocating for policies that stimulate demand for sustainable and circular materials. He called for a reliable framework to ensure confidence as the company makes substantial investments in its future, echoing the sentiments of the Antwerp Declaration for an Industrial Deal presented to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen earlier this year.

LyondellBasell (LYB) is a leader in the global chemical industry, dedicated to providing solutions for sustainable living. By leveraging advanced technology and strategic investments, LYB is fostering a circular and low-carbon economy. The company aims to create value for its customers, investors, and society as a whole through its initiatives and endeavors.