Germany – LyondellBasell has been granted a €40 million subsidy from the European Union (EU) Innovation Fund to propel its MoReTec technology.
This fully-electrified, industrial-scale advanced recycling demonstration plant, slated for construction in Wesseling, Germany, aims to reshape plastic recycling by converting post-consumer plastic waste into feedstock for new plastic materials.
The EU Innovation Fund’s €40 million grant to LyondellBasell is part of the EU’s comprehensive commitment of EUR 3.6 billion to advance innovative clean-tech projects, fostering decarbonization and sustainability. In the ‘Third Call for Large Scale Projects,’ LyondellBasell’s MoReTec plant stood out among the 41 selected projects, showcasing the EU’s dedication to driving transformative initiatives in the fight against climate change.
MoReTec technology
At the core of LyondellBasell’s innovation is the MoReTec technology, designed for the recycling of polyolefin waste with a focus on producing pyrolysis oil and pyrolysis gas. What sets MoReTec apart is its ability to recover pyrolysis gas—a notable departure from conventional processes where these gas streams are typically consumed as fuel. This recovery contributes to polymer production, displacing fossil-based feedstocks and subsequently reducing CO2 emissions.
Electrification lies at the heart of MoReTec’s efficiency, allowing the entire unit to operate on renewable electricity. The technology boasts a scalable single train design and operates at low temperatures, thanks to catalysts and innovative heat transfer design. These features lead to high plastic-to-plastic conversion rates, significantly enhancing the circularity of plastic waste.
Plastic waste challenge
The MoReTec demonstration plant in Wesseling is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the plastic waste challenge. With an annual processing capacity equivalent to the plastic packaging waste generated by over 1.2 million German citizens, the plant aims to produce feedstock for LyondellBasell’s CirculenRevive brand. These recycled materials, derived from post-consumer plastic waste, will find applications in diverse sectors, including medical and food packaging. The plant’s anticipated startup in 2026 marks a significant stride toward achieving tangible outcomes in plastic waste reduction and circular economy goals.
