A new chemical recycling facility could manufacture environmentally friendlier plastics through an innovative new method of production.

Lummus Technology has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with UK-based company Phigenesis through its subsidiary Green Circle to establish a new chemical recycling facility that processes recycled material for the manufacture of plastics.

The terms of the agreement include the deployment of Lummus’ New Hope Plastics Pyrolysis technology which is expected to offer a processing capacity of around 150,000 tons a year, significantly increasing chemical recycling across Europe.

“Lummus has tremendous focus on providing innovative solutions to the marketplace that promote the global energy transition,” said Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology.

“Our technology for advanced chemical recycling of plastic waste is just one of the many pathways we are deploying to support this global effort.

“We are extremely proud to support Phigenesis’ overall plan to deliver these units to the European market and thus to make a significant contribution to eliminate plastic waste.”

The New Hope Plastics Pyrolysis technology is based on a prior partnership established between Lummus and New Hope Energy, which combined Lummus’ technological experience with New Hope’s waste conversion technology.

“We are delighted Lummus Technology is partnering with Phigenesis, enabling us to deploy the Lummus New Hope Plastic Pyrolysis Technology at a scale attractive to this evolving market,” said Chris Moore, Chief Executive Officer of Phigenesis.

“Phigenesis is committed to delivering meaningful volume contributions to the circular and low emission economy, using significant quantities of otherwise unrecycled and incinerated waste plastics to produce feedstock for petrochemical facilities to make plastics, displacing virgin materials.”

Following the completion of their first facility, Phigenesis plans to develop as many as five additional locations on a similar scale around Europe.

The company claims they will prioritise the use of renewable power and green technology in the building of these additional plants to ensure their commitment to net-zero is preserved.