Pyrolysis oil – US Recyclers Raise Alarm Over Surge in rPET Imports The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is sounding the alarm over the rising volume of imported recycled plastics—particularly recycled PET (rPET)—entering the United States 24-04-2025 - Archive
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Toyota Launches First Circular Factory in Europe to Recycle Cars
Toyota is taking a major step toward sustainability by launching its first Toyota Circular Factory (TCF) in Europe. Located at the Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK (TMUK) site in Burnaston, the facility is designed to process up to 10,000 end-of-life vehicles annually.
The TCF will focus on three core recycling activities: reusing viable parts, remanufacturing standard components, and recovering valuable raw materials. After a rigorous validation process, reusable parts will be made available through retailers and parts distributors. Components like batteries, wheels, and engines will be assessed for remanufacture, reuse, or recycling based on condition and performance standards.
A key aspect of the project is the recovery of raw materials, including aluminum, steel, copper, and plastics. Toyota plans to recover 300 tons of plastic and 8,200 tons of steel each year, aiming to reduce reliance on virgin materials in the production of new car parts.
This initiative marks a significant move toward a circular economy, where materials from old vehicles feed into the creation of new ones—minimizing waste and environmental impact.
Looking ahead, Toyota plans to expand the TCF model across Europe. The company currently operates eight manufacturing plants across the continent and employs around 25,000 people. In 2022 alone, Toyota Motor Europe sold over 1 million vehicles, capturing a 6.4% market share.
The launch of the Toyota Circular Factory reflects the brand’s long-term commitment to sustainability and innovation, aligning with global efforts to build more environmentally responsible automotive systems.
Freepoint Eco-Systems Ships First PyOil from Ohio Facility
Freepoint Eco-Systems LLC has announced a major milestone—the first shipment of pyrolysis oil (PyOil) from its cutting-edge upcycling facility in Hebron, Ohio. The PyOil, produced from waste plastic, is being transported by rail to Shell USA’s refinery in Norco, Louisiana.
The Hebron facility, which began construction in late 2022 and is currently in commissioning, is designed to convert up to 180 million pounds of waste plastic annually into PyOil. This high-quality oil serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional crude-based feedstocks, offering manufacturers a more environmentally conscious input for creating new products. The facility is ISCC Plus certified, reflecting its commitment to sustainability and traceability. Pyrolysis oil
“We’re excited to get our first PyOil production into the market,” said Jeff McMahon, Managing Director at Freepoint. “This milestone supports efforts to turn plastic waste into a valuable resource. Shipping by rail not only boosts volume but also enhances the carbon benefits of using PyOil over conventional crude-derived materials.”
The use of rail transport for large-scale PyOil delivery contributes to reducing overall emissions, reinforcing Freepoint’s mission to provide scalable, sustainable solutions for plastic waste.
Laura Chamorro, GM Commercial at Shell Polymers, also highlighted the significance: “Facilities like Freepoint’s show the real potential of advanced recycling at commercial scale. This helps increase the supply of recycled materials and meets rising demand for Shell’s certified circular products.” Pyrolysis oil
This shipment marks a pivotal step in the commercial viability of advanced plastic recycling, offering industries a cleaner, circular approach to plastic use and disposal.
CATL Unveils 5-Minute Charging Battery with 800 km Range
The race to revolutionize electric vehicle (EV) batteries is heating up, and CATL has taken the lead with its groundbreaking Shenxing LFP battery. Unveiled just before the Shanghai Auto Show, this second-generation battery can recover an impressive 520 km of range in just five minutes—outpacing BYD’s recent 400 km in the same time.
With a maximum charging power of over 1.3 megawatts and a charge speed of 12C, the Shenxing LFP battery offers up to 800 km of range. Remarkably, it maintains performance in extreme cold, charging from 5% to 80% in only 15 minutes, even at -10°C. Pyrolysis oil
But that’s not all. CATL also introduced the Freevoy Dual Power Battery, which combines two types of battery chemistry—durable LFP cells for everyday driving, and high-density NMC cells for longer journeys. This hybrid design allows for intelligent energy use and promises up to 1,500 km of total range, managed by separate systems within the same unit.
Another major innovation is CATL’s Naxtra, the world’s first mass-produced sodium-ion battery. Set to begin production in December, Naxtra offers a range of 200 km for plug-in hybrids and up to 500 km for full EVs. With an energy density of 175 Wh/kg and excellent resistance to cold, it retains 93% capacity at -30°C and can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes. Pyrolysis oil
With these advancements, CATL is redefining the future of EV batteries—combining speed, durability, and performance across a range of technologies.
US Recyclers Raise Alarm Over Surge in rPET Imports
The Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) is sounding the alarm over the rising volume of imported recycled plastics—particularly recycled PET (rPET)—entering the United States. The surge, they say, threatens the integrity of domestic recycling operations and undermines national sustainability goals.
According to APR data, rPET imports have jumped by 65% in just two years—from 150,000 tons in 2022 to over 250,000 tons in 2024. A significant portion of this material now comes from Asia, which accounts for 44% of imports compared to 20% five years ago. Pyrolysis oil
This increase is driven in part by tariff exemptions that apply to both virgin and recycled plastics, making foreign material more financially attractive. However, APR warns that many of these imports lack proper transparency and traceability, raising concerns about whether they meet US recycling standards.
The association emphasizes that unverified or non-compliant imports could devalue certified North American recycled content. This situation discourages investment in domestic recycling infrastructure and complicates efforts by US companies trying to meet sustainability targets using locally sourced materials. Pyrolysis oil
To address these concerns, APR is calling for five key actions:
- Stricter verification of imported plastics, including country-of-origin traceability.
- Anti-dumping investigations to assess unfair trade practices.
- Incentives for North American recycled content to support local producers.
- Policy changes favoring domestic recyclers, creating a more level playing field.
- Integration of APR standards into EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) programs, ensuring uniform quality benchmarks.
As global recycling markets shift, APR stresses the need for protective measures that safeguard the future of US recycling efforts—balancing fair trade with environmental responsibility. Pyrolysis oil
LyondellBasell Strengthens Sustainability Leadership in 2024
LyondellBasell has released its 2024 Sustainability Report, From Vision to Value, highlighting major strides in circular solutions, emissions reduction, and responsible growth. CEO Peter Vanacker emphasized the company’s commitment to turning sustainability into long-term value through innovation, strategic investments, and global collaboration.
Driving Circular Progress
The company boosted production of recycled and renewable-based polymers by 65%, reaching over 200,000 metric tons—advancing toward its 2030 target of 2 million metric tons annually. It also began construction of its first commercial chemical recycling facility, MoReTec-1, in Germany, aimed at converting hard-to-recycle plastic waste into raw materials. Pyrolysis oil
Cutting Carbon Emissions
A major milestone was the Q1 2025 closure of LYB’s Houston refinery, expected to slash Scope 3 emissions by approximately 40 million metric tons per year. This move marks a pivotal step in the company’s low-carbon transition.
Expanding Renewable Energy
New power purchase agreements signed in 2024 support LYB’s goal of sourcing 50% of its electricity from renewables by 2030.
Operational Excellence & Safety
Out of over 90 manufacturing sites, 70 achieved GoalZERO status and 72 reported zero injuries. The company also recorded its second-lowest incident rate in history.
Strategic Investments
LYB acquired APK AG to enhance its recycling capabilities with Newcycling technology, targeting low-density polyethylene waste. Pyrolysis oil
Global Recognition
LyondellBasell earned top ranking among plastics producers in BloombergNEF’s 2024 circular economy ratings and maintained its AA ESG rating from MSCI.
“We are transforming our vision into lasting value—creating meaningful impact for our customers, shareholders, and society,” said Vanacker.
For the full report, visit lyondellbasell.com.
Covestro Advances Automotive Circularity with Recycled Headlamp Materials
Covestro has unveiled a new line of post-consumer recycled (PCR) polycarbonates sourced from end-of-life vehicle headlamps. This innovation marks a significant step in the push for a more circular automotive industry.
Developed in partnership with GIZ (German federal development agency), alongside automakers Volkswagen and NIO, these TÜV Rheinland-certified materials contain 50% recycled content and are now commercially available.
Both automakers are currently validating the materials for future vehicle applications. Pyrolysis oil
“This new PCR line helps automakers meet strict environmental regulations while advancing closed-loop recycling,” said Lily Wang, Global Head of Engineering Plastics at Covestro. The polycarbonates meet high-performance standards and deliver excellent surface quality for interior and exterior parts—while also complying with Vehicle Interior Air Quality (VIAQ) guidelines.
The project also involves collaboration with Chinese recycler Ausell to establish a closed-loop system. Discarded headlamps are collected and mechanically processed into high-quality PCR grades, offering a sustainable alternative for automotive manufacturers.
As global regulations tighten, including the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicle Directive and China’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, manufacturers are under pressure to adopt more sustainable materials. Covestro’s solution provides an answer without compromising performance or design flexibility. Pyrolysis oil
“This cross-sector partnership demonstrates how collaboration drives circular innovation,” noted Martin Hansen, Regional Director at GIZ East Asia.
Covestro is no stranger to sustainable innovation. The company has previously introduced PCR polycarbonates with up to 90% recycled content and opened a dedicated recycling line in Shanghai. It has also launched mass balance-certified polycarbonates using chemically recycled post-consumer waste.
With its latest material, Covestro continues to lead the way in sustainable plastics, offering manufacturers practical, compliant, and eco-conscious solutions for the next generation of vehicles. Pyrolysis oil
For more information, visit covestro.com.
