PreZero and Shell have joined forces through a collaborative agreement to tackle the challenge of recycling plastic by creating an innovative chemical solution. They acknowledge that not all types of plastic can be effectively recycled through mechanical processes, resulting in a significant gap in the circularity of plastic waste. To address this issue, both companies are pooling their expertise and resources to develop practical projects that bridge this recycling gap.
PreZero, drawing on its extensive knowledge in collecting, sorting, and preparing feedstock, will focus on devising new methods for identifying and converting plastic waste into reusable plastic materials. On the other hand, Shell will utilize its capabilities to develop, scale, and implement technologies aimed at transforming plastic waste into chemicals, which can be used to produce new plastics.
The initial project resulting from this collaboration is currently underway in the Netherlands, marking the first step towards achieving their shared goals.
Sven Nuener, CSO PreZero International, said: “Many European countries are significantly increasing their recycling targets for plastic. To work towards this goal, we not only need to increase the capacity of our recycling facilities but also diversify the types of plastic waste we can process. Our new project ensures broader possibilities for recycling as we work with material that would otherwise remain as waste.”
Marco Richrath, Senior Vice President of Chemicals and Products Europe added: “Proper waste sorting and pre-treatment is essential to make chemical recycling a success. I am therefore very happy Shell is going to further develop its collaboration with PreZero. Our joint goal is to develop an economically viable value chain for plastic waste not suitable for mechanical recycling, by turning it back into virgin quality plastic packaging and other products that would otherwise be made from fossil-based feedstocks, thereby contributing to the plastic circular economy. With this cooperation agreement, we are bringing parties in the value chain together to make progress.”
In addition to these projects, PreZero and Shell will explore other cross-business connections in areas such as low-carbon fuels and renewable energy generation.