Vioneo has partnered with Honeywell to integrate its methanol-to-olefins (MTO) technology at a state-of-the-art production facility in Antwerp, Belgium. This collaboration aims to transform the production of plastics by replacing traditional fossil fuel-derived feedstocks with green methanol, sourced from renewable energy-based hydrogen and biomaterials. Honeywell's advanced MTO technology will enable Vioneo to utilize green methanol containing only biogenic carbon dioxide, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional plastic manufacturing processes.

The Antwerp plant, a €1.5 billion project powered entirely by renewable electricity, will focus on producing essential olefins such as propylene and ethylene. These are key components in a wide range of everyday products, including medical equipment, food packaging, automotive parts, personal care items, and toys. By leveraging Honeywell's technology, Vioneo intends to support the decarbonization of the plastics industry while demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale green methanol-based production.

Alex Hogan, CEO of Vioneo, emphasized the initiative's potential impact: “This project represents a significant step towards defossilizing the €5 trillion chemicals and materials sector. With Honeywell’s technology, we aim to lead the transition to cleaner, sustainable plastics production in Europe.”

Honeywell's president of UOP, Rajesh Gattupalli, highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating: “The Antwerp facility exemplifies how innovative technologies can reduce emissions and advance the European Union's climate goals. Our MTO technology will help revolutionize olefin production and support the transition away from fossil-derived plastics, paving the way for a net-zero emissions future.”

In addition to MTO technology, the facility will incorporate Honeywell’s light olefins recovery process (LORP) and olefins cracking process (OCP). These advanced systems will ensure the production of high-purity ethylene and propylene, optimize energy efficiency, reduce waste, and capture byproducts for reuse, further enhancing sustainability and operational cost-effectiveness.

The project’s development will proceed in phases, with Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 and a potential Final Investment Decision (FID) targeted for 2025. The plant is expected to commence commercial operations by 2028.

By adopting innovative green technologies, Vioneo and Honeywell are positioning Europe as a leader in sustainable industrial innovation. This groundbreaking initiative demonstrates the feasibility of reducing emissions in the plastics sector while aligning with global energy transition goals.

Vioneo is leading the way in defossilizing the chemical industry by utilizing green methanol to commercially produce fossil-free polypropylene and polyethylene. Its first facility, located in the Port of Antwerp, is designed to produce approximately 300,000 tonnes of fossil-free virgin plastics annually. Vioneo is a subsidiary of A.P. Moller Holding.