Recycled Packaging Content GreenDot Group Supplies Pyrolysis Oil to Shell Chemicals Europe

Recycled content in packaging is becoming increasingly vital for sustainable practices. GreenDot Group is leading this effort by supplying pyrolysis oil to Shell Chemicals Europe B.V., a subsidiary of Shell, further enhancing the circular economy in Europe.

For the past six months, GreenDot Group and Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. have been collaborating to drive innovative solutions in circular chemicals and polymers across Europe. This partnership culminated in GreenDot providing pyrolysis oil to Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. starting in March this year. Leveraging three decades of expertise in Germany’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, GreenDot utilises household plastic waste to produce pyrolysis oil.

Shell Chemicals Europe B.V.'s Market Development Upgrader Unit

Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. is set to use this pyrolysis oil in their Market Development Upgrader (MDU) unit, which is currently under construction at the Shell Chemicals Park in Moerdijk, Netherlands. The MDU is anticipated to commence operations later this year, marking a significant milestone in the production of circular polymers.

Mark Vester, Managing Director of GreenDot Advanced Recycling, expressed enthusiasm about this development: “We are thrilled to supply Pyrolysis Oil to Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. This partnership enhances our capacity for producing circular polymers, aligning with the upcoming recycled content targets for polyolefins packaging. Collaborative efforts are essential for achieving these industry goals. With Shell Chemicals Europe B.V.'s expertise in upgrading pyrolysis oils, GreenDot has made a crucial advance in the journey toward scalable circular polymers.”

Transforming Pyrolysis Oil for Circular Polymers

Shell Chemicals Europe B.V. will purify the pyrolysis oil to create a cleaner feedstock, subsequently producing circular chemicals. These chemicals will be further processed into circular polymers, suitable for various applications including contact-sensitive plastic packaging. This packaging is essential for industries such as animal nutrition, food contact, medical devices, and cosmetics.

Advancing Towards a Circular Economy

Redirecting plastic waste from energy recovery, landfills, and the environment is crucial for achieving a circular economy in Europe. Collaboration with downstream partners and brand owners showcases the importance of advanced recycling technologies. These technologies are pivotal in meeting the rising demand for safe, circular recycled materials in food contact products, aligning with the EU's objective of 10% recycled content in contact-sensitive plastic packaging by 2030.