INEOS Inovyn launches next generation recycling pilot plants to strengthen Europe’s PVC recycling
• INEOS Inovyn launches two new PVC pilot plants at our Jemeppe-sur-Sambre site in Belgium, to accelerate technologies for recycling PVC which are not mechanically recyclable today.
• Forms part of a strategic ‘Project Circle’ initiative, which aims to commission an industrial unit with a 40KT recyclable capacity by 2030.
• To strengthen our technical and commercial development, INEOS Inovyn has joined two value chain consortiums supported by the Walloon and Flemish authorities.
• Geir Tuft, CEO INEOS Inovyn said, “PVC is one of the most recycled polymers in Europe, but reaching full circularity remains a complex challenge for our industry. Project Circle is an ambitious step in developing advanced new solutions and supporting Europe’s green transition.’
Across Europe around 30% of PVC waste is currently mechanically recycled. Project Circle ambitiously targets the remaining waste which cannot be mechanically recycled, by developing new technologies including dissolution, pyrolysis and gasification.
Our goal is to make all PVC waste recyclable and aim to have our first industrial unit ready by 2030. As part of this process we have launched two pilot plants in Jemeppe sur Sambre (Belgium), where INEOS Inovyn’s main R&D centre is located.
These units draw on Vinyloop™’s technology experience from 2002 to 2018, and are designed to upgrade PVC dissolution technology which supports the recycling of complex PVC waste, including legacy additives.
Industry wide collaboration plays an important part of Project Circle and to support this, we have joined two Belgium consortiums. The first ‘CIRC-PVC’ covers the entire chain, from collecting PVC waste at construction-demolition sites to the production of rejuvenated PVC not containing legacy additives.
This brings together industrial partners and experts from across different stages of the value chain: Entreprises Générales Louis Duchêne, Vanheede Environmental Logistics, ROVI-TECH, ECO-DEC, Avient Corporation’s Belgium site, Centexbel, the University of Liège and INEOS Inovyn.
The second consortium ‘DISSOLV’ will drive the development for PVC waste from flooring, carpets and tarpaulin applications which cannot be recycled today, due to the presence of textile fibers and legacy additives. Its members include Beaulieu International Group, Sioen Industries, Empire Carpets International, ExxonMobil, Centexbel and INEOS Inovyn
Luc Castin, INEOS Inovyn Sustainability Manager said,
“By working together across the value chain we can leverage our collective expertise, to develop faster solutions and bring more recycled products to the market. We need a thriving and competitive European plastic industry that allows us to increase investment and innovation in circularity and decarbonization. The financial support of the Walloon and Flemish region to the consortiums are vital to achieve this.”
Read more about the CIRC PVC consortium
Read more about the Disolv-consortium
Media Contacts
UK
Paul.Tuohy@ineos.com +44(0) 7766 990756
Belgium
muriel.vanschoelandt@ineos.com + 32 475 75 31 90 (Franstalige pers)
nathalie.meert@ineos.com + 32 491 35 91 67 (Nederlandstalige pers)
Note to editors
About INEOS Inovyn
INEOS Inovyn is Europe's leading producer of vinyls and in the top three worldwide. With an annual turnover of €5.1 billion, INEOS Inovyn has circa 4,300 employees and manufacturing, sales and marketing operations in 8 countries across Europe.
INEOS Inovyn’s portfolio consists of an extensive range of class-leading products arranged across General Purpose Vinyls; Specialty Vinyls; Organic Chlorine Derivatives; Chlor-Alkali; Hydrogen and Performance Chemicals. INEOS Inovyn's annual commercial production volume is circa 10 million tonnes.
About INEOS
A global manufacturer, INEOS operates 194 sites across 29 countries, generates $61 billion annually and employs over 26,000 people. Complementing our core business, INEOS is making an impact across a range of elite sports and becoming increasingly known to consumers, with the launch of the Grenadier (our uncompromising 4x4) and INEOS Hygienics.
INEOS' business produces the raw materials and energy used for everyday life. Its products make an indispensable contribution to society by providing the most sustainable options for a wide range of societal needs. For example, preservation of food and clean water; construction of wind turbines, solar panels, and other renewable technologies; for construction of lighter and more fuel-efficient vehicles and aircraft; for medical devices and applications; for clothing and apparel; and for insulation and other industrial and home applications.
INEOS businesses have put in place the plans and actions needed to ensure that they lead the transition to a net zero economy by no later than 2050, whilst remaining profitable, and staying ahead of evolving regulations and legislation. As part of its greenhouse gas emission reduction strategy, there is widespread goal to move to a more circular economy, in which materials are re-used to their maximum extent.