Vioneo has awarded ECI Group a contract to build the ‘world’s first’ low-density polyethylene plant operating entirely on fossil-free feedstock, expected to reach a yearly output of 110,000 tonnes.
The facility will be powered by renewable electricity and is set to utilize ECI Group’s proprietary autoclave technology to produce LDPE from certified green methanol feedstock, which is in turn derived from biogenic CO2.
Since 2021, ECI Group is believed to have licensed over one million tonnes of annual capacity using its standardized design approach. Its technology has apparently been optimized to use modern materials, design techniques, standards, and industry best practices for construction, operation, and maintenance.
Applying the method at the Antwerp plant is expected to result in a fully traceable, completely fossil-free, and ISCC PLUS-certified product. The partners also anticipate a reduction in life cycle emissions while providing ‘high-performance’ LDPE for use in packaging, consumer goods, healthcare, and automotive applications, among others.
Additionally, the facility will form part of Vioneo’s planned production complex in Antwerp, which intends to overcome the environmental impacts of conventional plastics manufacturing and help Europe take the lead in the plastic industry’s ‘fossil-free’ transition.
“We’re proud to have been selected to support Vioneo’s vision to create the world’s first green LDPE plant and the first new autoclave LDPE plant to be built in Europe in forty years,” said Joaquin Flores, president and CEO of ECI Group. “This project aligns perfectly with our vision of providing technology solutions that drive sustainable innovation.”
“Vioneo is driving the transition of the plastics industry by demonstrating the economic viability of large-scale, cleaner production using green methanol instead of fossil fuels,” continued Alex Hogan, chief executive officer at Vioneo. “This initiative offers Europe the opportunity to lead the €5 trillion chemicals and materials sector’s defossilization. Our partnership with ECI Group is a crucial step in realising this vision.”
“This project is a landmark moment for the polymer industry,” added Chris Brock, director for HPPE Technology at ECI Group. “By combining green methanol with our high-pressure polyethylene technology, we’re enabling a truly fossil-free approach to plastics manufacturing. We look forward to working with Vioneo to deliver this first-of-its-kind facility.”
The venture is backed by A.P. Moller. Repsol will offer its technical, operational, and commercial expertise – originating from the production of LDPE, EVA, and EBA polymers at its Spanish and Portuguese industrial complexes – to support ECI Group as a product partner.
The news comes as Borealis invests over €100 million into its new High Melt Strength polypropylene line. In doing so, it aims to triple its capacity and address global demand for recyclable, lightweight polymer foam solutions like reusable cups and food packaging.
Enviroo and RECOUP also plan to build a PET recycling plant in England. Having secured £58m in funding, the partners intend to recycle 35,000 tonnes of plastic by the time the plant is fully operational in 2027.
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