Plastic Energy’s Dutch plant produces first TACOIL, advancing chemical recycling, boosting circular plastics, supporting EU recycling goals, and reducing plastic waste impact.
Plastic Energy, a recognized global leader in chemical recycling, has achieved a significant milestone with the successful production of its first batch of TACOIL at its new advanced recycling facility in Geleen, the Netherlands. The site, a joint venture with SABIC, represents a major step forward in the company’s mission to transform difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into valuable new resources. This first production run is a precursor to full-scale commercial operations and highlights the plant’s potential in helping to address the growing plastic waste challenge.
TACOIL™ is produced from post-consumer plastics that would typically end up in landfills or be incinerated. By converting this waste into a feedstock that can replace conventional fossil-based naphtha in petrochemical processes, Plastic Energy enables the creation of high-quality materials such as food-grade packaging, medical plastics, and other essential consumer products. These circular polymers, already in use by brand owners since 2019, are key in reducing reliance on virgin fossil-based resources while supporting more sustainable production.
At the core of this achievement is Plastic Energy’s patented TAC™ chemical recycling process. This process uses heat in an oxygen-free environment to break down mixed plastic waste into usable oil. Once the facility is fully operational, it is designed to recycle 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually. Importantly, this technology has already demonstrated its effectiveness on an industrial scale at Plastic Energy’s plants in Spain, and its integration into the Geleen facility underscores its adaptability and scalability.
The SPEAR plant stands out as the first instance of a third-party chemical recycling technology being integrated within an existing petrochemical complex. This integration represents a model for how recycling can be seamlessly incorporated into the current plastics value chain. Given that less than 30% of Europe’s 32 million tonnes of plastic waste is currently recycled, the plant offers a timely solution to help the region meet the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) target, which requires all packaging to be fully recyclable by 2030.
Commenting on the achievement, Ian Temperton, CEO of Plastic Energy, emphasized the importance of this milestone. He noted that producing the first batch of TACOIL™ at the SPEAR plant demonstrates the strength of the company’s technology, the reliability of its process, and the commitment of its workforce. He also praised the collaboration with SABIC, highlighting that this project is a strong example of industry partnership driving meaningful change. Temperton further stressed that recycling plastic into new plastics is essential for establishing a true circular economy, reducing carbon emissions, and diverting plastic waste away from incineration.
The project has also received support through the Top Sector Energy Subsidy from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, further reinforcing its importance as a national and regional contribution to sustainable innovation.
