June 17, 2025 –
INEOS Breakthrough Enables Food-Grade Recycled Plastics from Waste
AsiaMB reports that INEOS has achieved a major advancement in chemical recycling at its Lavéra facility in southern France. The petrochemical giant has successfully processed its first batch of pyrolysis oil derived from post-consumer plastic waste, marking a significant step toward circular polymer production.
The innovative process converts traditionally non-recyclable plastic packaging into premium-grade ethylene and propylene monomers. These building blocks will be transformed into food-contact compliant polyolefins at INEOS plants in France and Italy, creating sustainable material solutions for demanding applications like medical packaging and premium consumer goods.
This technological milestone addresses critical challenges in plastic waste management:
• Processing mixed or contaminated plastic streams
• Meeting stringent food safety standards
• Maintaining material performance in high-value applications
• Complying with EU PPWR recycled content mandates
“The true potential lies in our modified cracker’s dual-feed capability,” explained Rob Ingram, CEO of INEOS Olefins & Polymers Europe. “By flexibly processing both conventional and recycled feeds, we maintain product quality while increasing circularity – a game-changer for brand owners facing sustainability targets.”
Industry analysts highlight several competitive advantages of this approach:
- Superior quality versus mechanical recycling
- Broader feedstock acceptance
- Seamless integration with existing packaging value chains
- ISCC PLUS certification ensuring full traceability
The timing coincides with INEOS’s recent acquisition of full ownership at Lavéra, strengthening its position in sustainable polymers. Market projections suggest the EU’s recycled content requirements could create 5 million tons/year demand for such advanced recycling solutions by 2030.
AsiaMB observes this development particularly impacts color masterbatch specialists, who must now adapt formulations for chemically recycled polymers while maintaining color consistency and performance in sensitive applications like food packaging.