Technological watch

Plastics recycling collaboration with ExxonMobil in Malaysia

Plastics recycling collaboration with ExxonMobil in MalaysiaThe two firms are looking to implement large-scale reclaim tech in Malaysia, where less than 25% of available plastics are currently recycled (Photo: IMG Sachsen-Anhalt)Petronas Chemicals Group (PCG), the petrochemicals arm of Malaysian oil and gas company Petronas (Kuala Lumpur; www.petronas.com), has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil (Houston, Texas, USA; www.exxonmobil.com) to assess the potential for large-scale implementation of advanced plastics recycling technology in Malaysia. Under the memorandum of understanding, the companies also aim to evaluate opportunities to support improvements to plastics waste collection and sorting in the country.
PCG and ExxonMobil said the agreement builds on a long-standing relationship between the two firms that has involved multiple collaborations and business ventures in Malaysia and abroad. Mohd Yusri, PCGâ??s managing director and CEO, said, â??This collaboration is yet another significant step towards the transition into a circular economy on the back of increased demand for circular products and signifies our commitment to use recycled raw materials in the chemical industry.â?
Dave Andrew, VP of new market development at ExxonMobil, added, â??Advanced recycling plays an important role in meeting the growing demand for circular products, while helping to address the challenge of plastic waste.â?
Related: Less than 25% of available plastics recycled in Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines
PCG is currently conducting several feasibility studies on plastics recycling. In 2019, it signed an agreement with Plastic Energy (London; www.plasticenergy.com) to convert end-of-life plastics using a pyrolysis process, and the facility is on track to be operational by 2025 (see Plasteurope.com of 01.08.2019). In addition, PCG is collaborating with waste management companies to help to divert plastics waste from landfills.
ExxonMobil plans to build approximately 500,000 t/y of chemical recycling capacity at its integrated manufacturing facilities around the world by the end of 2026. The company said it has processed more than 5,000 t of plastics waste its advanced recycling facility in Baytown, Texas, since the facility started up in 2021, and is on track to complete a large-scale expansion of the facility later this year (see Plasteurope.com of 20.10.2021).
The company is also assessing additional sites for advanced recycling in the USA, Canada, Europe and Singapore, and is collaborating with Plastic Energy to build an advanced recycling plant in France.03.10.2022 Plasteurope.com [251231-0]

Publication date: 03/10/2022

Plasteurope

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Last update: 2022-01-31