Sulzer and TripleW are collaborating to launch PLA bioplastic made entirely from food waste.
TripleW valorises waste streams, while Sulzer enables industrial-scale polymerisation of lactic acid.
Supported by the CIRCLE consortium, the project moves a pilot innovation towards industrial production for circular manufacturing.
Sulzer will also provide engineering services to support project execution, delivering a complete skid-mounted modular solution. Basic engineering for the project was completed in Q1 2026, with first skid deliveries scheduled for Q1 2027 in line with the project timeline.
Turning complex plastic waste into usable feedstock
Sulzer’s solution for Vitol’s new plant is designed to handle a wide range of materials, including plastic waste with varying levels of contaminants. It also offers the flexibility to adapt to changing operating conditions and future capacity needs. By rapidly cooling and condensing the gases produced during pyrolysis, PyroCon ensures a consistent and reliable feedstock for further use.
“We are proud to be a strategic partner for Vitol”, said Tim Schulten, Division President Chemtech. “After having developed this technology for years, landmark projects like this confirm the industrial potential of our uniquely positioned solution.”
Tom Baker, Vitol’s global Head of Naphtha and Head of Middle East, said: “Plastic waste is a global problem and pyrolysis at scale a potential solution. We are pleased to be working with Sulzer to develop WPU’s new plant in Rotterdam in order to deliver recycled feedstock to the plastics sector.”
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ALCHEMPro News Desk
