Partners announce huge chemical recycling facility

What is being hailed as the largest chemical recycling plant for plastics in Europe has been announced by chemical giant Dow and specialist partner Mura Technology.

A new facility at Dow’s Böhlen site in Germany – the latest in a series of planned facilities across the US and Europe to develop the chemical recycling of plastics – is targeted for a final investment decision by the end of 2023.

Mura’s new Böhlen facility in Germany, which is expected to be operational by 2025, would deliver approximately 120 000 tonnes per annum. This and the other  facilities planned  across Europe and the US. would collectively add as much as 600 000 tonnes per annum of capacity by 2030 – and position Dow to become the largest consumer of circular feedstock for polyethylene production globally.

Mura’s unique HydroPRS recycling process uses supercritical steam to convert most forms of plastics – including flexible and multi-layer plastics – back into the original oils and chemicals from which they were made. These can then be used to create new, virgin-equivalent plastic products  suitable for food contact packaging.

Huge commitment

Steve Mahon, Mura ceo, says that combating the global plastics crisis requires innovative solutions which can drive a circular economy. ‘Mura’s collaboration with Dow has led to the largest commitment across the industry to date, showcasing the urgency from industry leaders to adopt scalable solutions such as HydroPRS that will transform the plastics industry worldwide. Dow’s continued support for Mura Technology has led to a highly financeable commercial arrangement and the deepening collaboration will allow both companies to achieve their stated ambitions in the advanced recycling space.’

20 000 Tonnes

The planned facility builds on Dow’s ongoing collaboration with Mura, first announced in 2021, with an initial project to construct the world’s first plant using HydroPRS, located on Teesside, UK, which is expected be operational in 2023 with an initial 20 000 tonnes per annum production line.