Vioneo has awarded global consulting and engineering company Wood a multi-million-dollar contract to deliver the front-end engineering design (FEED) for a pioneering new facility that will produce fossil-free plastics using green methanol. The project, located in Antwerp, Belgium, is set to become the first plant in the world to produce polyethylene and polypropylene plastics at industrial scale without the use of fossil feedstocks.

The renewably powered, energy-efficient facility will be capable of producing 300 kilotonnes per annum (ktpa) of virgin, high-quality plastics. These materials will be fully traceable, segregated, and carbon negative, offering manufacturers a cleaner alternative to traditional plastic production methods. By eliminating fossil fuels from the feedstock and relying on green methanol—a renewable material produced from sustainable sources—the process helps reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions and does not compete with food production, making it a sustainable solution for the future of plastics.

This groundbreaking project aims to support the global transition to a circular, low-carbon economy and is expected to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing the European plastics sector. Demand for fossil-free plastics is growing, driven by stricter environmental regulations, corporate sustainability commitments, and consumer demand for greener products.

Wood will apply its proven expertise in delivering sustainable engineering solutions across large-scale infrastructure and energy transition projects. The company has a strong track record in developing complex facilities that support decarbonization and is known for its ability to deliver innovative, world-first projects across multiple sectors.

“Vioneo is accelerating the transformation of the plastics industry by demonstrating that industrial-scale production using green methanol is not only technically feasible but also economically viable,” said Alex Hogan, chief executive officer of Vioneo. “This project represents a major step forward for the chemicals and materials industry and gives Europe an opportunity to lead the €5 trillion global market toward a defossilized future. Our partnership with Wood is critical to bringing this vision to life.”

Gerry Traynor, president of Eastern Hemisphere Projects at Wood, said the company is proud to support the development of this transformative facility.

“There is growing momentum behind fossil-free solutions, particularly in Europe,” Traynor said. “Vioneo’s project is a landmark development for the plastics industry, and we are excited to contribute our expertise. Our team’s experience with innovative, sustainable projects will be essential in helping Vioneo become a market leader in fossil-free plastics.”

Vioneo is a portfolio company of A.P. Moller Holding, the investment arm of the A.P. Moller Group. It was established to support green methanol development and drive sustainable innovation within the plastics and broader chemicals industries.

The plant is expected to serve as a model for future facilities worldwide, providing a scalable, sustainable pathway to reduce emissions and dependence on fossil fuels in plastic production.