This project, to be built in Antwerp, Belgium, represents a pivotal step in the transition to a sustainable plastics industry, with a planned annual production of 110,000 tonnes of LDPE from certified green methanol.
In a landmark development that signals a new era for the chemical and materials sector, Vioneo, a company backed by A.P. Moller Holding, has selected ECI Group to construct a groundbreaking facility in Antwerp, Belgium. This plant will be the first of its kind, dedicated to producing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) using an entirely fossil-free feedstock, a move that directly addresses the significant environmental challenges posed by conventional plastics manufacturing.
The core of this innovative project lies in the use of ECI Group’s proprietary autoclave technology. This advanced system will leverage green methanol, a sustainable alternative derived from biogenic CO2, to produce 110,000 tonnes of high-performance LDPE per year. By utilizing renewable electricity and a traceable, ISCC PLUS-certified feedstock, the facility is expected to significantly reduce lifecycle emissions, providing a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-based plastics.
This initiative is not just a technological feat but also a strategic one, aiming to position Europe at the forefront of the $5 trillion chemicals and materials sector’s defossilisation. Joaquin Flores, President and CEO of ECI Group, expressed immense pride in the partnership, stating, “This project aligns perfectly with our vision of providing technology solutions that drive sustainable innovation.” Similarly, Alex Hogan, CEO of Vioneo, emphasized the economic viability and leadership role of this venture, noting, “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.”
The LDPE produced at the Antwerp plant will be a high-quality product suitable for critical applications in various industries, including healthcare, automotive, packaging, and consumer goods. This versatility and performance underscore the fact that sustainability does not have to come at the cost of product quality. The collaboration is further strengthened by the involvement of Repsol, a multi-energy company with over 55 years of experience in polymer production, which will serve as a product partner, providing essential technical, operational, and commercial expertise.
ECI Group, with a history spanning nearly 150 years and a recent track record of licensing over one million tonnes of annual capacity since 2021, brings a wealth of experience and a robust, standardized design approach to the project. The company’s expertise in high-pressure polyethylene technology, combined with Vioneo's pioneering vision, promises to deliver a facility that is not only a technological marvel but a crucial stepping stone towards a more sustainable and circular economy.
