LyondellBasell (LYB) has announced its investment in a new closed-loop recycling center located in Lich, Germany. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to convert plastic waste into high-quality feedstock for advanced materials, playing a crucial role in promoting the circular economy and advancing sustainability within the industry. The center leverages the combined expertise of a service provider, academic support for process and analytics, and the dedicated team at LYB.

The Lich recycling center aligns with LYB’s integrated hub strategy, which integrates existing assets with new, sophisticated sorting and recycling technologies. This approach aims to enhance operational scale, reduce costs, and maximize the value derived from plastic waste. The facility represents a significant advancement in processing waste from durable goods such as automotive parts and household appliances. Recycling these items involves complex processes to remove paint, metal, and other additives, ensuring the plastic is refined into high-quality feedstock.

Frank Nöltgen, Vice President of Advanced Polymer Solutions Europe at LYB, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “These efforts are unlocking new ways of recycling durable goods into new materials for high-quality applications. By investing in sorting, recycling, and the development of proprietary recycling technologies, we are taking significant steps towards a sustainable future.”

The center employs mechanical recycling techniques to transform end-of-life plastics from automotive and appliance components, such as bumpers and trim, into high-quality recycled materials. These materials will be integrated into LYB’s CirculenRecover product line, offering sustainable solutions for demanding applications in the automotive and white goods sectors. This includes components for structural, interior, and visible applications.

Erik Licht, Director of New Business Development of Advanced Polymer Solutions Europe at LYB, expressed enthusiasm for the project, saying, “We are excited to support automotive and durable white goods manufacturers in achieving their sustainability targets. This closed-loop preparation center ensures that valuable plastic materials are kept in circulation, reducing reliance on virgin resources and enabling products with a lower carbon footprint compared to virgin products.”

The Lich recycling center is anticipated to reach commercial scale by the fourth quarter of 2024. This investment is a key component of LYB’s broader goal to produce and market at least 2 million metric tons of recycled and renewable-based polymers annually by 2030, reflecting the company’s commitment to advancing sustainability in the polymer industry.

LyondellBasell (LYB) is a prominent player in the global chemical industry, dedicated to crafting solutions for sustainable living. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategic investments, LYB is driving the transition toward a circular and low-carbon economy. The company is committed to creating value for customers, investors, and society at large. As one of the leading producers of polymers and a key innovator in polyolefin technologies, LYB develops, manufactures, and markets high-quality, innovative products. These products are utilized across various fields, such as sustainable transportation, food security, clean water access, and quality healthcare.