Neste and Remondis join forces to develop chemical recycling of plastic waste

Neste and Remondis, the Germany-based company engaged in recycling, water resource management and industrial, and communal services, have inked an agreement to develop chemical recycling of plastic waste. The two firms will work together to develop and expedite chemical recycling with the aim to reach an annual capacity of processing more than 200 kilotons of waste plastic. Mechanical recycling of plastics has been beneficial for the formation of a circular economy, raw material security, and climate protection for decades. The agreement will combine their individual expertise, i.e., Remondis’ waste collecting and sorting abilities and Neste’s experience in oil refining as well as the processing of low-quality waste and residue materials. Jürgen Ephan, Managing Director, Remondis Recycling, explains that to establish chemical recycling of plastics at a commercial scale, it is mandatory that the recycling industry and the chemical industry work in close proximity. The agreement between the two companies will be centered on creating an optimal recycling process in order to make plastics more circular, adds Ephan. Mercedes Alonso, Executive Vice President, Renewable Polymers and Chemicals, Neste, says that they are driven by their objective of creating a healthier planet for the future, and with Remondis as one of their sustainability-driven value chain partners, they will be able to build a chemical recycling solution to truly expand the possibilities of recycling the materials that are currently difficult to recycle, adds Alonso.