Chemical giants join hands to launch plastic recycling research and development center

        SABIC, along with BASF, Covestro, Dow Chemical, LyondellBasell, Mitsubishi Chemical and Solvay, has signed an agreement with the renowned Dutch innovation organization TNO, which will host the new plastic recycling R&D center and execute R&D projects, with the first projects to start in the second half of 2023.

 

        TNO will lead technology development

        “With the launch of this first project, LCET is demonstrating its role as an ‘incubator’ for collaborative action to accelerate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions across the chemicals production value chain,” said Abdulrahman Al-Fageeh, CEO of SABIC and Low Carbon Energy Technologies (LCET). “Increasing plastic recycling rates can significantly contribute to our progress towards a circular carbon economy, and by pooling the knowledge and expertise of our companies, we can find new ways to drive net zero solutions.” ”

        “Finding solutions to protect the climate is a global societal task that can only succeed if we all contribute with our best ideas,” said Martin Brudermueller, Chairman of the LCET and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE.

 

        Important Milestone

        “The launch of the first spin-off project from the LCET initiative is a major achievement and milestone for all member companies. This enables us to develop breakthrough technologies while sharing early-stage risks. Bringing together seven leaders operating in the same market demonstrates the collaborative spirit of LCET initiatives to turn ambition into action.” ... "

 

        The Plastics Recycling R&D Centre is the first project to be launched under the LCET, with other projects set to enter the development phase in 2023. As a private sector-driven initiative, the R&D Centre project aims to make significant strides towards more sustainable plastic waste processing and help address industry-specific topics related to the development of mechanical and chemical recycling pathways.