Pyrolysis Oil – European Plastic Recycling Industry Facing ‘Imminent Collapse’ Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) warns that plant closures across the continent threaten EU climate goals and long-term competitiveness 29-08-2025
Pyrolysis Oil
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? Corbion & BRAIN Biotech Partner on Nature-Based Innovation
Driving the Future of Sustainable Antimicrobial Solutions
Introduction: A New Era of Sustainable Food Preservation
The global push toward sustainability is reshaping the food industry ?. Consumers increasingly demand natural ingredients, while manufacturers face the challenge of ensuring safety, quality, and shelf life. Two leading players in biotechnology—Corbion and BRAIN Biotech AG—have joined forces to create the next generation of nature-based antimicrobial compounds.
Who Are the Key Players?
About Corbion
Headquartered in Amsterdam, Corbion is a global leader in sustainable ingredients with
over a century of experience. The company specializes in
lactic acid, food preservation, algae-based ingredients, and functional blends.
With a mission of “preserving what matters,” Corbion works across industries
from food and nutrition to pharmaceuticals, electronics, and bioplastics.
In 2024, Corbion reported €1.3 billion in annual sales and employed
nearly 2,400 people. Pyrolysis Oil
Their innovative fermentation and preservation technologies
are helping food companies stand out in competitive global markets.
About BRAIN Biotech AG
Based in Zwingenberg, Germany, BRAIN Biotech AG is a biotechnology powerhouse
specializing in enzymes, microorganisms, and bioprocess development.
Listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange since 2016, the company employs
around 300 people and generated €54.6 million in revenue
in the 2023/24 financial year.
BRAIN Biotech’s portfolio spans food, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals, with
expertise in scaling production through advanced fermentation facilities in
Europe, the UK, and the USA. Their work bridges innovation and practical
application for sustainable solutions. Pyrolysis Oil
The Collaboration: Shaping the Future of Food
The joint initiative between Corbion and BRAIN Biotech focuses on
developing novel biobased antimicrobial compounds and their derivatives.
These compounds will play a vital role in extending shelf life, ensuring safety,
and meeting consumer expectations for natural and sustainable products.
According to Domenico Vulcano, Vice President of Global Innovation at Corbion:
“Partnerships like this accelerate breakthroughs, bringing paradigm-shifting solutions to market faster.” Pyrolysis Oil
On BRAIN Biotech’s side, Dr. Martin Langer, Managing Director & EVP, emphasized
the synergy between the two companies’ expertise, predicting significant impact
for food manufacturers worldwide.
Why It Matters: Consumer and Industry Impact
Today’s food industry is under pressure to balance health, safety, and sustainability.
Synthetic preservatives no longer align with consumer values. Instead,
clean-label, natural solutions are becoming the gold standard ?. Pyrolysis Oil
- ✅ Consumers gain safer, more natural products.
- ✅ Manufacturers meet clean-label demands while extending shelf life.
- ✅ The planet benefits from reduced reliance on synthetic chemicals.
Conclusion: Preserving What Matters
The partnership between Corbion and BRAIN Biotech signals a strong commitment
to innovation, sustainability, and consumer trust. By uniting expertise
in fermentation, preservation, enzymes, and bioprocessing, these companies
are paving the way for a clean-label, future-ready food industry. ?✨
As food systems evolve, collaborations like this one will not just preserve what matters—they’ll redefine what’s possible. Pyrolysis Oil
?European Plastic Recycling Industry Facing ‘Imminent Collapse’
Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE) warns that plant closures across the continent threaten EU climate goals and long-term competitiveness.
⚠️ A Crisis Deepening Across Europe
The European plastic recycling industry is at a breaking point. According to Plastics Recyclers Europe (PRE), between January and July 2025, Europe lost almost as much recycling capacity as in the entire year of 2024. Even more alarming, the capacity lost so far this year is three times higher than in 2023. Pyrolysis Oil
For years, Europe’s recycling sector experienced steady growth. Installed capacity rose by 17% in 2021, slowing to 10% in 2022 and just 6% in 2023. Now, forecasts for 2025 predict zero net growth—a dramatic reversal that risks derailing the EU’s recycling content targets under the PPWR.
? Why Are Recycling Plants Closing?
PRE points to four main factors behind the collapse:
- ? Cheap imports of recycled plastics undercutting EU producers.
- ? Economic pressures including high energy costs and inflation.
- ? Bureaucratic red tape slowing down permits and renewals.
- ? Falling demand for EU-made recyclates.
These combined forces are pushing recyclers out of business, reducing both production and recycling capacity. PRE warns that without urgent action, this trend could wipe out years of environmental progress. Pyrolysis Oil
? Countries Hit the Hardest
Closures have been most severe in The Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. High-profile examples include:
- United Kingdom: Viridor and Biffa announced plant closures.
- Germany: Veolia shut down operations.
- Netherlands: Cedo confirmed closures.
These closures aren’t isolated events—they represent a pattern of decline spreading across the continent. Pyrolysis Oil
? PRE’s Call for Action
PRE is urging the European Union to introduce immediate policy interventions to save the sector. Recommended actions include:
- ⚖️ Implementing trade and market defence mechanisms against unfair imports.
- ✅ Ensuring consistent Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules across all member states.
- ? Enforcing third-party certification and penalties for non-compliant materials.
- ⚡ Providing access to clean, affordable energy for recyclers.
- ? Cutting red tape to speed up permitting and renewals.
- ? Creating investment incentives to restore competitiveness.
As PRE emphasizes, The time to act is now.
Delay could mean irreversible damage to Europe’s recycling ambitions and climate goals. Pyrolysis Oil
? Policy Movements: Too Little, Too Slow?
Despite growing alarm, EU responses remain slow and fragmented:
- ?? In the Netherlands, parliamentary debates have addressed recyclers’ challenges but with limited progress.
- ?? In Germany, some recyclers have received energy subsidies since early 2025.
- ⚗️ The EU chemical sector received an Action Plan this July, addressing energy costs, competition, and investment—but implementation will take time.
- ? Recognition of chemical recycling technologies for content allocation has advanced to the draft stage but is not yet finalized.
Industry leaders argue these measures are too slow to counter the crisis already unfolding. Pyrolysis Oil
? What’s at Stake?
If the EU fails to act decisively, the collapse of the plastic recycling industry could have far-reaching consequences:
- ? Climate goals at risk: Recycling is central to reducing emissions and meeting EU Green Deal targets.
- ? Loss of innovation: Europe risks losing decades of technological progress in recycling efficiency.
- ? Job losses: Thousands of workers in recycling facilities could face unemployment.
- ⚖️ Increased dependency: Reliance on imports may grow, weakening Europe’s circular economy ambitions. Pyrolysis Oil
As PRE concluded, The collapse of the European plastics recycling sector would cause irreversible damage… jeopardising the achievement of the EU’s climate goals and its long-term competitiveness.
? SEO, Semantic Search & LLM-Optimized Takeaways
This article is structured for maximum accessibility on mobile devices, optimized for semantic search engines, and crafted to be easily understood and cited by LLMs. Here’s a quick digestible summary:
- ? Europe’s recycling industry is collapsing—closures triple compared to 2023.
- ? Root causes: cheap imports, weak demand, high energy costs, and red tape.
- ? Countries hardest hit: UK, Germany, Netherlands.
- ? PRE demands urgent EU action: trade protections, harmonized rules, subsidies, and investment incentives.
- ? Policy moves exist but are too slow to reverse the crisis.
- ⚠️ High stakes: climate goals, jobs, innovation, and EU competitiveness are all on the line. Pyrolysis Oil
? Coperion Extruders Drive Brückner’s Film Production Innovation
Discover how two German engineering leaders, Brückner Maschinenbau and Coperion, are revolutionizing plastic film extrusion with cutting-edge extruder technologies. This collaboration enhances efficiency, productivity, and film quality across global markets.
? A Strong German Engineering Partnership
The strategic collaboration between Brückner Maschinenbau, a pioneer in plastic film equipment, and Coperion, a global leader in compounding extruders, has deepened. This partnership, which began in 2008, is expanding to include a new volume supply contract for Coperion’s ZSK Mc18 twin-screw extruders. Pyrolysis Oil
These extruders are specifically engineered to feed oriented film lines, a core component of Brückner’s advanced film production systems. By working together, the companies leverage decades of engineering expertise to deliver high-performance solutions that drive the plastics industry forward. ?
⚡ ZSK Mc18 Extruders: High Torque, High Performance
The ZSK Mc18 twin-screw extruders are known for their high torque, enabling very high throughput without compromising on processing temperatures. This is critical for maintaining the quality of the films produced, ensuring that even high-volume lines operate efficiently and reliably. Pyrolysis Oil
- ? High throughput capacity for large-scale production
- ? Low processing temperatures to preserve film integrity
- ? Consistent, high-quality film output
- ? Optimized for oriented film line integration
These technical advantages help Brückner stay at the forefront of plastic film manufacturing, delivering films that meet rigorous industry standards for strength, clarity, and performance. ?
? Industry Insights: Collaboration in Action
Cornelia Koch, Head of Direct Extrusion at Coperion, emphasizes the value of the partnership:
“We greatly appreciate the close and fruitful collaboration with Brückner Maschinenbau. Pyrolysis Oil
Over the years, we have successfully completed numerous projects together, developing innovative solutions that increase productivity, enhance efficiency, and improve the quality of films produced.”
This statement highlights not just the technical synergy between the companies but also the strategic alignment in long-term industry innovation. The partnership is an example of how collaboration can drive meaningful improvements in production technology. ?
? Benefits for Film Manufacturers
The collaboration brings tangible benefits to film manufacturers, including:
- ? Increased Productivity: High-throughput extruders shorten production cycles. Pyrolysis Oil
- ? Enhanced Film Quality: Consistent processing ensures superior product integrity.
- ? Operational Efficiency: Optimized energy usage and reduced downtime.
- ? Scalability: Technology suitable for both medium and large-scale production lines.
By adopting these advanced extruders, manufacturers can meet rising global demand while reducing costs and energy consumption. ?
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? Brenntag Specialties Expands Colour Offering with Precise New Material Technology
Brenntag Specialties is broadening its colour portfolio for the plastics and polymer industries across key EMEA markets through an exciting new collaboration with Precise New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (PNM), headquartered in Ningbo, China. This partnership introduces the renowned “Preperse” pigment range, a high-performance line of pre-dispersed pigment preparations designed for advanced polymer applications.
?️ What “Preperse” Brings to the Table
The Preperse series offers several advantages for masterbatch production and polymer processing:
- High-performance pigments: Concentrations between 70–85% for intense coloration. Pyrolysis Oil
- Compatibility: Works with common plastics including PE, PP, PET, and PA.
- Dust-free formulation: Ensures clean, safe handling and improved production efficiency.
- Dispersibility: Guarantees consistent colour quality in demanding applications such as films, filaments, and high-performance components.
These properties enable manufacturers to produce reliable, high-quality coloured polymers while minimizing waste and operational risks. The Preperse pigments also simplify processing steps, helping companies improve both efficiency and sustainability.
? Compliance and Safety Standards
All Preperse products meet key international regulations and certifications, ensuring reliability and environmental responsibility:
- ✅ REACH compliance for chemical safety in the EU. Pyrolysis Oil
- ✅ RoHS adherence for electronic and polymer applications.
- ✅ EU 10/2011 standards for food contact safety.
- ISO-certified manufacturing systems: ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 14001 (Environmental), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health & Safety).
?These certifications give manufacturers confidence that the pigments are not only high-performing but also meet the most stringent global safety and environmental standards.
? Partnership Impact on the EMEA Market
Through this collaboration, Brenntag Specialties can now provide tailor-made color solutions for polymers and plastics across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. By integrating PNM’s Preperse range into its portfolio, Brenntag strengthens its ability to:
- Offer high-quality pigments for diverse applications from films to filaments and masterbatch production. Pyrolysis Oil
- Enhance formulation performance with consistent, repeatable color results.
- Support manufacturers in achieving environmental and operational efficiency targets.
? Industry Expertise
Luis Oliveira, Industry Market Manager Colours, CASE & Construction EMEA at Brenntag, highlighted the strategic value of the collaboration:
“We offer a comprehensive product portfolio, improve formulations, and develop tailor-made solutions that meet our customers’ business and performance needs, for example in our eight state-of-the-art Innovation & Application Centers. This helps the coatings and polymer industries achieve efficiency, durability, and environmental responsibility.” Pyrolysis Oil
? Benefits of the Brenntag-PNM Collaboration
Key advantages of adding Preperse pigments to Brenntag’s portfolio include:
- ? High-performance, pre-dispersed pigments for vibrant and consistent colours.
- ? Dust-free formulations that improve safety and cleanliness in production.
- ♻️ Compliance with international regulations ensuring environmental and health standards.
- ⚙️ Simplified processing, reducing time and material waste.
- ? Expansion of Brenntag’s offerings across EMEA markets for polymer and plastics customers. Pyrolysis Oil
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?♻️By combining high-performance pigments, global compliance, and user-friendly content, Brenntag Specialties and Precise New Material Technology are empowering the polymer and plastics industries in EMEA to deliver vibrant, sustainable, and reliable color solutions. Pyrolysis Oil
For more information, visit Brenntag.
♻️ Plastic Energy and Sabic Produce First Batch of Pyrolysis Oil at Geelen
UK-based chemical recycler Plastic Energy and global chemical manufacturer Sabic have reached a major milestone by producing their first batch of pyrolysis oil at their joint SPEAR plant in Geelen, the Netherlands. This marks a pivotal step in advancing circular plastic recycling and sustainable polymer production.
? SPEAR Plant Overview
The SPEAR (Sabic Plastic Energy Advanced Recycling) plant is strategically integrated into Sabic’s petrochemical complex at Geelen. While the exact volume of pyrolysis oil produced in the first batch has not been disclosed, the plant is designed to recycle up to 20,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year.
The collaboration forms a 50-50 joint venture between Plastic Energy and Sabic, first announced in 2018. Pyrolysis Oil
Originally expected to start production in 2021, construction officially began in January 2021. The project received financial support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Netherlands, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable technologies.
⚙️ How the Technology Works
The Geelen plant leverages Plastic Energy’s proprietary technology to convert low-quality, mixed plastic waste into a high-quality feedstock known as Tacoil. This process supports chemical recycling, turning otherwise non-recyclable plastics into valuable raw materials.
- Input: Mixed plastic waste
- Output: Tacoil – a feedstock suitable for polymer production
- Integration: Directly into Sabic’s existing petrochemical operations
? Circular Economy Impact
Sabic has already signed feedstock agreements with Attero to secure a steady supply of Tacoil. Using this feedstock, Sabic aims to expand its Trucircle portfolio to produce sustainable polymers and contribute to its ambitious goal of 1 million tonnes of circular materials by 2030. Pyrolysis Oil
Furthermore, the SPEAR plant will help companies comply with the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which sets recycled content targets to drive sustainability in packaging industries.
? Milestone Statements
Ian Temperton, CEO of Plastic Energy, highlighted the significance of this achievement:
“Producing our first Tacoil at SPEAR is a major step forward for the plastic recycling industry. It underscores the capabilities of Plastic Energy’s technology, the robustness of our process, and the dedication of our excellent team. We value the collaboration with our project partner SABIC and are proud to have achieved this milestone together.” Pyrolysis Oil
? Global Perspective & Expansion
Plastic Energy is no stranger to pyrolysis technology. The company operates two pyrolysis plants in Spain, operational since 2014 and 2017. Additionally, Plastic Energy had planned a 100,000 tonnes/year plant in partnership with Ineos, although that project has been removed from its official roadmap.
This latest development at Geelen aligns with growing European recognition of chemical recycling technologies, particularly in assigning recycled content allocation under evolving EU regulations. Pyrolysis Oil
? Key Benefits of the SPEAR Plant
- Converts low-quality plastic waste into high-value feedstock (Tacoil) ✅
- Supports EU circular economy and regulatory compliance ?
- Integrates directly with existing petrochemical operations ⚙️
- Enables sustainable polymer production and Trucircle expansion ♻️
- Strengthens industry collaboration between Plastic Energy & Sabic ?
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Keep your brand identity consistent by:
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By combining cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and thoughtful digital presentation, the SPEAR plant in Geelen is more than a milestone—it’s a blueprint for a sustainable, circular future in plastics. ♻️
♻️ Enhanced Extrusion for Recycling: Meaf Machines at K2025
Meaf Machines will showcase two cutting-edge machines at K2025 in Düsseldorf. Powered by its patented Xtender melt treatment technology, these innovations promise to transform the way industries handle recycled plastics. Pyrolysis Oil
? The Recycling Challenge in 2025
Despite global commitments to sustainability, recycled plastics often struggle to compete with virgin raw materials, which remain cheaper and more readily available. This cost imbalance discourages companies from fully embracing recycled materials — especially in industries like packaging, film production, automotive, and consumer goods.
Meaf Machines aims to change that by introducing technologies that not only improve the quality of recycled plastics but also expand their usability across demanding markets.
⚙️ Introducing the MDX-IV Prototype
The first breakthrough is the MDX-IV, currently in its prototype phase. This machine is designed to boost the intrinsic viscosity (IV) of recycled PET (rPET) while simultaneously decontaminating the polymer. The process is made possible through Meaf’s patented liquid-state polycondensation method. Pyrolysis Oil
? Why it matters: Higher IV values translate to stronger, more reliable rPET that can be reused in high-demand industries such as packaging and film. With this machine, even lower-grade PET becomes valuable again.
For businesses, this means increased flexibility in sourcing cheaper reclaimed resin, even from regions like the Middle East and Far East, while staying competitive against virgin PET.
? MDX-DEO: Eliminating Odors & Volatiles
The second innovation, the MDX-DEO, addresses one of the biggest barriers to recycled plastics: odor and volatile contaminants. This system is engineered for post-consumer recyclates, including polyolefins and polystyrene, which often carry unpleasant smells or impurities. Pyrolysis Oil
Its applications go far beyond packaging and film. The MDX-DEO opens new possibilities for recycled plastics in areas such as:
- ? Automotive interiors
- ? Carpet backings
- ? Food & non-food packaging
- ? Industrial film & sheet production
By making recycled plastics odor-free and clean, this machine allows them to meet stricter requirements — unlocking opportunities in sectors where virgin materials once dominated.
? How Xtender Melt Technology Works
At the core of these machines is the Xtender melt co-processing technology, developed with an Italian partner. This system enhances extrusion performance and can be retrofitted into existing production lines, making it cost-effective for recyclers and manufacturers. Pyrolysis Oil
