PureCycle Publishes Life Cycle Assessment of Antwerp Recycling Facility

In a notable development, the Norwegian certification body DNV has recently completed an extensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of PureCycle's upcoming polypropylene (PP) solvent-based recycling plant in Antwerp, Belgium. Executed in compliance with the ISO-14040/44 framework, this assessment has been compared favorably to projections based on PureCycle's existing facility in Ironton, Ohio, taking into account the specificities of Belgium's energy grid.

The LCA outcomes are indeed impressive, indicating an extraordinary 86% reduction in energy consumption compared to global virgin PP production, as extrapolated from data obtained from PureCycle's flagship facility in Ohio. Furthermore, the study forecasts a substantial 61% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions and a notable 64% reduction in the usage of fossil-based resources for the Antwerp plant when juxtaposed with the production of virgin plastic.

Wiebe Schipper, PureCycle's Vice President of European Operations, conveyed optimism regarding the environmental efficiency of the anticipated Antwerp plant, drawing insights from the existing Ironton facility. He emphasized the importance of DNV's efforts in pinpointing specific areas for enhancement in carbon, energy, and resource efficiency. However, the precise details of these identified areas have not been disclosed.

In an earlier instance in 2022, an independent Life Cycle Assessment conducted by Boundless for PureCycle's Ironton plant in Ohio made promising projections. The study indicated that the Ironton facility would surpass new PP plastic production by utilizing 79% less energy and emitting 35% fewer carbon emissions.

PureCycle's groundbreaking technology centers around the utilization of a generic hydrocarbon solvent commonly found in household cleaning supplies. This solvent undergoes a distinctive purification process, where it is recovered and reused multiple times. The patented purification process proves highly effective in eliminating odors, colors, and contaminants from PP waste, ultimately resulting in the production of ultrapure resin. Anticipating an annual output of 59,000 tonnes, the Antwerp facility is poised to contribute significantly to sustainable resin production.

This recent LCA not only underscores the environmental benefits of PureCycle's innovative recycling process but also highlights the significance of evaluating and optimizing sustainable initiatives. Schipper's positive outlook on the Antwerp plant, coupled with the undisclosed areas for improvement identified by DNV, underscores PureCycle's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in its quest for sustainable practices.

The success of PureCycle's Ironton facility, as indicated by the independent LCA conducted by Boundless, showcases the consistency in sustainable practices across PureCycle's operational sites. This not only speaks to the efficacy of their recycling technology but also signals the scalability and replicability of their approach to sustainable resin production.

As the global challenge of plastic pollution escalates, innovative and sustainable solutions become imperative. PureCycle's approach, as illuminated by the recent LCA of its Antwerp plant, represents a paradigm shift in addressing the plastic waste crisis. By reconceptualizing plastic as a valuable resource rather than a disposable commodity, PureCycle is steering the course toward a more sustainable and responsible future.