The construction of LyondellBasell's (LYB) large-scale chemical recycling plant in Wesseling is progressing with the delivery of large tanks for the storage of pyrolysis oil.
The construction of LyondellBasell's (LYB) large-scale chemical recycling plant in Wesseling has reached another milestone. In two overnight heavy transports, large tanks were delivered that will be used in future to store pyrolysis oil - a Raw material obtained from plastic waste that is difficult to recycle. Each of the tanks measures nine metres in height, 5.4 metres in width and holds 260,000 litres. The total vehicle length including trailer was an impressive 63 metres and the weight of one tank is around 140 tonnes. The transports were carefully prepared in close consultation with the relevant authorities, traffic planners and the police.
„With the new MoReTec chemical recycling plant, we are making a decisive contribution to achieving our goal of producing two million tonnes of plastics from renewable and recycled sources every year by 2030. The project is an important step on the way to a functioning circular economy for plastics - with benefits for the environment, industry and society.“
Dr Daniel Koch, plant manager of the LYB sites in Wesseling-Knapsack
The recycling technology used in Wesseling was developed by LYB itself. The plant is scheduled to go into operation in 2026 and recycled mixed plastics back into their molecular form. The resulting pyrolysis oil serves as a raw material for the production of new, high-quality plastic products - including food packaging. LYB received a grant totalling 40 million euros from the European Union's Innovation Fund for the construction of the plant. The laying of the foundation stone in September 2024 by NRW Minister President Hendrik Wüst, Environment Minister Mona Neubaur and the then Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz underlined the importance of the project as an industrial policy lighthouse project.
Source: LyondellBasell
