NEXTCHEM wins two global feasibility studies using NX Replast™ to convert plastic waste into high-quality recycled polymers, advancing circular economy initiatives.
NEXTCHEM, part of the MAIRE group, has secured two important feasibility study contracts for plastic upcycling projects located in Southern Africa and Southeast Asia. These initiatives will be developed using the company’s proprietary NX Replast™ technology, which focuses on advanced mechanical recycling and compounding processes. The objective of both projects is to transform post-consumer and post-industrial polyolefin waste into high-quality recycled polymers (r-polymers) that can match the technical performance of virgin materials.
NX Replast™ is designed as an integrated and scalable solution that enables the rapid establishment of modern plastic upcycling facilities. Unlike conventional recycling methods that often produce lower-grade materials, this technology ensures that recycled plastics retain strong mechanical and functional properties. As a result, the output can be used in more demanding applications, helping industries transition toward sustainable material usage without compromising quality.
The Southern Africa project will be developed in collaboration with a prominent local industrial player and is expected to process approximately 25 kilo-tonnes per annum (KTPA) of polyolefin waste. This includes both post-consumer and post-industrial end-of-life materials. The initiative is among the first of its kind in the region and is expected to play a key role in promoting circular economy practices. By converting waste into valuable resources, the project aims to improve resource efficiency while also reducing environmental impact in a cost-effective manner. NEXTCHEM’s role in this project includes conducting a comprehensive feasibility study, which will cover process design, cost estimation, and preliminary engineering activities.
In Southeast Asia, NEXTCHEM has been selected by a leading regional operator to carry out a feasibility study for a larger-scale facility with a planned capacity of 40 KTPA. This project will also utilize NX Replast™ technology and aims to establish an advanced mechanical upcycling and compounding plant. The development reflects the increasing demand in the region for innovative solutions to address plastic waste challenges while supporting sustainable industrial growth.
Together, these two projects highlight the growing international recognition of NEXTCHEM’s capabilities in plastic upcycling and circular economy solutions. They demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of NX Replast™ technology across different geographic and industrial contexts. As global pressure mounts to reduce plastic waste and improve recycling outcomes, such technologies are becoming critical enablers of sustainable development.
Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of NEXTCHEM, emphasized that these new contracts reinforce the company’s expanding global footprint in circular technologies. He noted that NX Replast™ is increasingly being chosen as a reliable and competitive solution for advanced plastic recycling, particularly in emerging markets. He also underlined the company’s commitment to supporting partners worldwide in developing impactful sustainability strategies through efficient engineering and cost-effective solutions.
