Circular Economy News — Week 37

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1. LyondellBasell to Fully Acquire Insolvent Recycler APK, Targeting 2 Million Tonnes Recycled Plastics by 2030 — Major Sustainability Boost ♻️

LyondellBasell, a global polyolefin producer, has taken a significant step by aiming to acquire the bankrupt APK recycling company in Merseburg, Germany. This move is part of its broader goal to significantly enhance its recycling capabilities and sustainability offerings, with a target of processing 2 million tonnes of recycled and bio-based plastics by 2030. The deal, still subject to antitrust approvals, highlights the growing importance of circular solutions in the plastics industry.

• The acquisition aligns with LyondellBasell’s ambitious goal to increase recycled plastic capacities to 2 million tonnes per year by 2030.

• APK’s solvent-based technology will enable the recycling of complex multilayer packaging materials made from LDPE.

• LyondellBasell first invested in APK in March 2023, but financial disagreements stalled further development, leading to APK’s insolvency.

• Co-investor Kirkbi, owner of Lego, is now exiting the venture, allowing LyondellBasell to pursue full control of APK.

With this acquisition, LyondellBasell is poised to strengthen its sustainability initiatives and become a leader in advanced plastic recycling.

🔗 source

2. Shell Abandons 1 Million Tonne Pyrolysis Recycling Goal by 2025 as GreenDot Delivers 50,000 Tonnes of Pyrolysis Oil 🌍

Shell, one of the world’s largest energy companies, has officially scaled back its ambitious target to recycle 1 million tonnes of plastic waste annually by 2025. Instead, the company has partnered with GreenDot to receive 50,000 tonnes per year of pyrolysis oil, which will be processed at Shell’s Moerdijk facility in the Netherlands. This move reflects the challenges Shell faces in meeting its initial recycling targets due to low demand for circular chemicals and technological hurdles.

• GreenDot began supplying pyrolysis oil to Shell in March 2024, though specific volumes remain undisclosed.