LyondellBasell explores partnerships in chemical recycling of plastics

LyondellBasell is exploring partnerships in chemical recycling of plastics, along with developing its own technologies, its CEO said. “As a company, we are very focused on the issue of addressing plastic waste, whether it is through chemical or mechanical recycling. We have many initiatives under way,” said Bob Patel, CEO of LyondellBasell, in an interview with ICIS. The company is already undertaking mechanical recycling of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) in Europe through its QCP (Quality Circular Polymers) joint venture with Suez. However, it is now focusing on chemical recycling technologies and solutions which would break down waste plastics into monomers or intermediates. “We are evaluating different concepts, and not all on our own. Chemical recycling is growing exponentially,” said Patel. The CEO said the company could partner with start-up companies in this area. In July 2018, LyondellBasell announced a cooperation agreement with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) to advance chemical recycling of plastic materials. LyondellBasell and KIT aim to develop a new catalyst and process technology to decompose plastic waste into monomers for reuse in polymerisation.