September 2, 2025 14:21

Production has begun in Geleen, where the new chemical recycling plant operated by Sabic Plastic Energy Advanced Recycling (SPEAR) — a joint venture between Plastic Energy and Saudi-based Sabic — has delivered its first batches of pyrolysis oil (Tacoil).

At full capacity, the site will process 20,000 tonnes per year of hard-to-recycle post-consumer plastic waste that would otherwise be lost to landfill or incineration.

The plant uses Plastic Energy’s TAC (Thermal Anaerobic Conversion) technology, which thermochemically converts mixed plastic waste into a synthetic oil, branded Tacoil, suitable for use as a feedstock for new plastics or as a biofuel.

Sabic will use Tacoil produced in Geleen to replace fossil feedstocks such as naphtha in the manufacture of circular plastics marketed under the TruCircle brand, with recycled content allocated through certified mass balance. These resins can be applied in food-contact packaging, medical-grade plastics and other high-quality products.

“Producing our first Tacoil at the SPEAR facility is a major step forward for the plastic recycling industry,” said Ian Temperton, CEO of Plastic Energy. “It underscores the capabilities of Plastic Energy’s technology, the robustness of our process and the dedication of our excellent team. We value the collaboration with our project partner Sabic and are proud to have achieved this milestone.”

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