New technology enables a step closer to chemical recycling of plastic in Sweden
Cluster member Borealis has developed a new technology to recycle all kinds of plastic. Together with two other cluster members, Stena Recycling and Fortum Recycling and Waste, a new facility is to be operated in Stenungsund where the plastic is melted down to the molecular level so that it can then be used again, instead of burning up the plastic waste. We spoke with Anders Fröberg, CEO of Borealis in Sweden about the new venture.
The new technology and facility for chemical recycling, which you announce will be ready by 2024 - tell us more about it!
The plant we are doing a preliminary study on now is a pyrolysis plant, which means that we will use plastic waste that is heated up to around 400 degrees. The new technology thus involves producing pyrolysis of plastic waste which is then fed into a cracker plant. Through the gasification process, a pyrolysis oil is created, which can be used as a raw material, instead of today's fossil raw material. We can then make ethylene and propylene from that oil, which we then make polyethylene plastic. We cooperate with Stena Recycling and Fortum Recycling and Waste, they will deliver the right kind of plastic waste. The next step is to scale up production and be able to receive a larger amount of plastic waste and manufacture more recycled raw materials. In the end, we want all plastic to be recycled and nothing to be incinerated. This will require more technical steps and new technologies, but we are also on our way there, both internally and externally in collaboration with, for example, Chalmers.
After all, there are far-reaching plans to build large-scale plastic recycling in Sweden, in a so-called Plastic Recycling Refinery. How close are we to such a thing in Sweden?
Close I would say. We expect a facility for chemical recycling to be in place as early as 2024. Our ambition is clear, but we can say with absolute certainty that we will in 1-1.5 years when we will have an investment decision ready.
How important is chemical recycling of plastic in Sweden?
It is a very important step in turning plastic into a circular economy. Plastic that is not recycled goes to energy recovery and thus contributes to large emissions of greenhouse gases. Today, only 16 percent of Sweden's plastic waste is recycled. So we can't go on! One reason for this is limitations in recycling technologies and the fact that there are many different types of materials in products and packaging. With chemical recycling, plastic is broken down at the molecular level and the result is new raw material, which we can then use for the production of all types of plastic products with high purity requirements and specific properties.
In a modern sustainable world, everyone has the right to live in an environment with access to clean water, electricity, communications, medicine, and food that does not spoil. Plastic is fundamental as a material in those infrastructures. That is why we have to find solutions to recycle plastic and make it circular. Plastic is a fantastic material when used correctly.
How can the West Sweden Chemistry and Materials Cluster and Climate-Leading Process Industry contribute further?
The cluster has helped lay the foundations and created the right conditions. There are now three members who have taken a step further and are trying to realize a facility in Stenungsund. This is also how the initiative Klimatledende Processindustri can continue to work, to create the right conditions, match interested parties, do certain feasibility studies, etc. Then it is handed over to the commercial partners to realize projects, business ideas and facilities, just as happened here. Because plastic recycling may still need more and the right support from politics and legislation and there you can continue to play a role. Also, there is rapid technology development, and new raw material streams may be needed, so there is still a lot to contribute!
You can read more about the new venture here.