INEOS launches advanced polymer pilot plant in Italy

One of the world’s biggest plastics manufacturers, INEOS, has opened a new advanced polymer pilot plant in Rosignano, Italy to convert waste plastic destined for landfill or incineration into valuable polymers – without the need for oil and gas as a raw material. PIF finds out more about this eco-friendly new plant and how it could set the benchmark for how we deal with the growing issue of global plastic waste.

INEOS recycling plastics

INEOS has opened a new advanced polymer pilot plant in Rosignano, Italy. The plant will develop and produce advanced products, such as light weight car parts, which incorporate plastic waste diverted from landfill or incineration. INEOS recycling plastics is just one example of the plastic manufacturer’s commitment to meeting recycling targets that they and other European plastic manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to achieve.

Pan-European manufacturer’s association, PlasticsEurope’s ambitious recycling targets have been published in a strategy entitled Plastics 2030. The main ambitions of which is to make 60% of all plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030, with the goal of 100% by 2040. This may come as a surprise given the tidal wave of negative publicity the industry has come under in recent years. But INEOS hope to turn the tide.

Speaking in their own INCH publication, Tom Crotty, INEOS’ Director of Corporate Affairs, has previously said: “The public often think we don’t care about plastic pollution, but we care massively. Plastic waste in the ocean is totally unacceptable. But plastic is not evil. Plastic waste is evil. And that needs to be said. Maybe it is now time to fight fire with fire. We have got to get out there and tell people what we are doing.”

More sustainable and circular approach to INEOS plastics

Which is exactly what INEOS has done with news of their Rosignano polymer plant. The plant supports a more sustainable and circular approach to polymer production, saving CO2 as well as directing plastic waste from landfill back into valuable polymer products. The new plant is part of INEOS’s global 100 million Euro research and development program, which supports INEOS customers globally.

Dr. Gerd Franken Chairman of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe and Chairman of INEOS Polyolefins Catalyst said: “This pilot plant will help to use more and more plastic waste for new high value polymers, which is the very core of the circular economy. It demonstrates INEOS’ commitment to develop this technology to full commercial scale.”

INEOS Olefins & Polymers also recently announced the introduction of the Recycl-IN polymer range to its portfolio. The range contains up to 50% Post-Consumer Recycled plastic compounded with new highly engineered virgin polymers.

About INEOS

INEOS is a global manufacturer of petrochemicals, speciality chemicals and oil products, with a network spanning 183 sites in 26 countries throughout the world. Headquartered in London, it is the biggest chemicals company in the world as measured by sales revenue, with an annual turnover of around $60 billion.

Spearheaded by their charismatic chairman, Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS has seen its public profile grow significantly in recent years with their sponsorship of the former Team Sky cycling team and their INEOS 1:59 Challenge, which saw Eliud Kipchoge become the first man to run a sub two-hour marathon.

For more information, visit www.ineos.com.