TotalEnergies, along with Plastic Energy and Freepoint Eco-Systems, announced they have established a partnership in the US to develop plastic recycling solutions. Specifically, Plastic Energy and Freepoint will build an advanced plastic recycling facility in Texas. Thereafter, TotalEnergies will transform the raw materials from the recycling facility into virgin-quality polymers.
Firstly, Plastic Energy would use its patented technology to transform end-of-life plastic waste into a recycled feedstock called TACOIL. TotalEnergies, on the other hand, would transform this raw material into polymers ideal for the food and beverage industry. Specifically for rigid or soft food packaging.
Moreover, the project will process and convert 33,000 tons of post-consumer end-of-life plastic waste every year. That amount would otherwise go for landfill or incineration. The plant would start operations by mid-2024. TotalEnergies would use TACOIL in its Texas-based production units.
In addition, Plastic Energy, Freepoint Eco-Systems, and TotalEnergies are all committed to developing plastics recycling. In fact, TotalEnergies and Plastic Energy announced in September 2020 a joint venture to build a plastic waste conversion facility in France. That project would have a capacity of 15,000 tons per annum at the TotalEnergies Grandpuits zero-crude platform. It would start operations around 2023.
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TotalEnergies with a clear plastic recycling objective
Furthermore, Carlos Monreal, founder, and CEO of Plastic Energy, said. “We are delighted to announce Plastic Energy’s first project in the US, which is a region that has enormous potential for the plastic-to-plastic advanced recycling market.”
He also remarked. “Using our patented and innovative technology, this new advanced recycling plant in the US will be able to treat post-consumer waste that would otherwise be incinerated, landfilled, or end up polluting the environment.”
On the other hand, Jeff McMahon, Managing Director of Freepoint, said. “The Texas project will reduce the need for fossil feedstocks, which results in carbon left in the ground, a more sustainable economy, and a healthier planet.”
Finally, Valérie Goff, Senior Vice President, Polymers at TotalEnergies, remarked. “(The project) will contribute to addressing the challenge of the circular economy and to achieve our ambition of producing 30% recycled and renewable polymers by 2030.”
