Film Recycling – Major £120 Million Investment by Endolys Transforms Darlington Site Into UK’s Leading Plastic Film Recycling Facility 29-10-2025
Film Recycling – Investment and Location
The chemical recycling firm Endolys has announced a £120 million investment to build a state-of-the-art plastic film recycling plant in Darlington. The site selected is the former Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company works on Yarm Road — a 29-acre industrial site that has been idle since 2021. Endolys highlights the site’s strong infrastructure: existing grid and natural gas links, excellent road and rail connections, and a large building suited to its operations. Film Recycling
Project Structure and Technology
Construction of the plant will occur in two phases. Phase one has already secured £60 million and will install six pyrolysis oil production units capable of processing 60,000 tonnes of shredded plastic film waste annually and generating 40,000 tonnes of pyrolysis oil. Phase two will mirror this scale, doubling capacity to 120,000 tonnes of waste processed each year, and involve a further similar investment.
The technology employed is based on systems developed by Niutech Environment Technology Corporation, which are used globally. The processed pyrolysis oil will be stored at the Navigator Terminals Seal Sands facility before being exported into the European petrochemical market. Film Recycling
Environmental and Circular Economy Impact
Plastic film is widely regarded as a challenging material to recycle in the UK because of its form and collection difficulties. This investment therefore addresses a crucial gap in the waste-management infrastructure. Endolys notes that by diverting plastic film — including single-use items such as cups, straws and plastic bags — away from landfill or incineration, the facility will contribute significantly to the circular economy. Collection of plastic film and soft packaging from households and businesses will become mandatory from March 2027, further increasing the feedstock for this plant.
Job Creation and Regional Regeneration
The project is expected to generate up to 120 skilled jobs at the Yarm Road site in roles covering engineering, technical support and plant operations. Local political leaders have welcomed the initiative as a major boost for Darlington and the broader Tees Valley region. The plant will also breathe new life into a former industrial site, reinforcing regional regeneration and supporting clean-growth ambitions.
Strategic Significance
This development positions Darlington and the Tees Valley at the forefront of innovation in recycling and clean technology in the UK. For Endolys, it marks a major step in scaling up chemical recycling of plastic film — a sector where large-scale UK capacity has been lacking. The export link to the European petrochemical market further enhances the strategic value of the plant, integrating the UK into global circular-economy supply chains. letsrecycle.com+1
With this investment, the Endolys Darlington plant promises to deliver environmental benefits, economic opportunity and industrial innovation. The focus on recycling plastic film via pyrolysis adds critical capacity at a national level, while the job creation and site regeneration deliver local impact. As the UK shifts toward more comprehensive plastic recycling, this facility stands out as a major milestone. Film Recycling
