Neste Boosts Plastic Recycling Capacity at Porvoo Refinery in Finland

Neste is enhancing its logistics infrastructure at the Porvoo refinery in Finland to accommodate increased volumes of liquefied recycled raw materials, such as waste plastic and rubber tires. This expansion is a key step in supporting Neste's strategic goals of advancing chemical recycling and transforming the Porvoo refinery into a hub for renewable and circular solutions. By strengthening its capacity to handle larger quantities of these materials, Neste is positioning itself to play a crucial role in the transition to more sustainable production processes.

The new logistics installations at Neste’s Porvoo refinery include specialized unloading facilities designed to handle liquefied recycled materials. At the refinery's harbor, Neste is constructing an unloading arm equipped with a heating system to maintain the liquidity of materials like waste plastic and rubber tires, which require heat to stay in a liquid state. Additionally, pipelines will connect the harbor to dedicated storage tanks, engineered for higher resistance to corrosion. Neste is also installing a vapor recovery unit to enhance emission control during operations, ensuring environmental compliance.

The new logistics infrastructure at Neste’s Porvoo refinery is expected to be completed in 2024. This timing aligns with the ongoing construction of Neste’s liquefied waste plastic upgrading unit, part of the PULSE project, slated for completion in 2025. Once operational, the upgrading unit will convert liquefied recycled materials into high-quality feedstock for the plastics and chemicals industry. This expanded infrastructure and the new upgrading unit will play a crucial role in supporting Neste’s strategic goals of advancing chemical recycling and promoting circular solutions.

Jori Sahlsten, Senior Vice President of Refinery and Terminal Operations at Neste’s Porvoo refinery, emphasized that transforming the refinery into a hub for renewable and circular solutions is a complex process involving multiple steps and adjustments. One significant step is the development of new logistics infrastructure, which will enable the refinery to handle larger and more continuous volumes of liquefied recycled raw materials. This infrastructure is crucial for supporting the new upgrading unit, which will have the capacity to process 150,000 tons of liquefied waste plastic annually, aligning with Neste’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.

Neste is a global leader in sustainable fuels and circular materials. Leveraging advanced technology, we transform waste and other resources into renewable solutions that drive decarbonization and circular economy initiatives. As the world's premier producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, we're also a pioneer in developing renewable feedstock for polymers and chemicals. Our goal is to help our customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a significant margin, contributing to a more sustainable future.