June 19, 2025 –
Circular Economy Milestone: Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Breaks Ground on Flagship Recycling Facility
Belgium’s plastics recycling landscape is set for transformation as Morssinkhof-Rymoplast initiates construction of its most advanced regeneration plant to date. The Lommel-based facility represents a €85 million investment in next-generation polyolefin recycling, specifically engineered to meet the exacting standards of premium packaging applications.
Scheduled for commissioning in Q2 2026, the operation will deploy cutting-edge wash-line technology capable of processing 85 metric tons of post-consumer PP and HDPE daily. Unlike conventional recycling plants, the facility will implement proprietary purification systems to produce food-contact-grade rPP and rHDPE – a technological leap that could redefine sustainability parameters for personal care packaging across Europe.
The project’s strategic significance extends beyond its 30,000-ton annual capacity. As a joint venture with Ingka Investments, the facility will serve as a testing ground for closed-loop systems being developed for IKEA’s global supply chain. Industry sources confirm the plant will trial innovative color masterbatch solutions to maintain material consistency in recycled products – a critical challenge for brand owners transitioning to circular packaging.
“This facility represents the new gold standard in plastic regeneration,” stated Morssinkhof-Rymoplast’s CEO during the groundbreaking ceremony. “By combining Fost Plus’ unmatched collection infrastructure with our purification expertise, we’re creating Europe’s first truly vertically integrated recycling hub for high-end applications.”
The Lommel plant’s environmental credentials are particularly noteworthy. Preliminary lifecycle assessments suggest the operation will reduce CO₂ emissions by 72% compared to virgin plastic production while recovering 98% of process water. These metrics have already attracted commitments from major FMCG brands seeking to meet the EU’s impending recycled content mandates.
For the color masterbatch sector, the development signals growing demand for specialized additives that can maintain vibrancy in multiple recycling cycles. AsiaMB analysts note this could accelerate R&D in polymer-stable pigments as the industry adapts to circular economy requirements.