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LyondellBasell, a leading advanced recycler based in the Netherlands, has announced a significant collaboration aimed at transforming maritime scrap into new plastic materials. This innovative project involves a partnership with a German original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and a recycling company specialized in processing plastic scrap.

The initiative marks a notable shift in the use of recycled maritime plastic. Previously, the automotive industry primarily utilized recycled maritime plastic in fiber form for vehicle components. However, LyondellBasell's introduction of CirculenRecover PP TRC 2179N has expanded the possibilities, allowing this type of plastic to be used in injection molding processes.

This breakthrough is expected to significantly broaden the applications of recycled plastics. The process involves collecting and sorting end-of-life fishing nets by type (such as based on the materials used to fabricate the net). These nets are then processed into high-quality plastic recyclate. LyondellBasell then combines this recyclate with virgin compounds to produce CirculenRecover PPC TRC 2179N.

The resulting injection-molded components made from this material are used as trim parts in visible areas inside various car models. LyondellBasell anticipates that this development, intended for large-scale production, will contribute to enhanced sustainability and environmental responsibility in the automotive industry.

Michael Budinger, Business Development Manager at LyondellBasell, highlighted the project's significance in the context of the European Green Deal. The European Commission, under this deal, is exploring ways to increase vehicle circularity, including the potential use of up to 25 percent of postconsumer plastic waste. This initiative, involving the repurposing of maritime gear, is seen as a key contribution to helping OEMs achieve these sustainability goals.

According to the article by Procurement Resource, LyondellBasell's collaboration converts maritime scrap into new plastic for automotive parts, broadening recycling applications. This aligns with the European Green Deal, enhancing vehicle circularity and sustainability by transforming fishing nets into quality plastics for car interiors, showcasing innovation in recycling and automotive industries.