PureCycle (US) builds plastics recycling plant in Flanders
PureCycle, an American company specializing in sustainable plastics, is building its first European polypropylene (PP) recycling facility in Flanders. Where exactly? At the fast-growing NextGen District of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, one of Flanders’ leading seaports. The new plant will have an annual capacity of around 59,000 metric tons.
The next step in a global growth strategy
Currently focusing on feedstock sourcing and financial planning, PureCycle aims to secure a final project timeline by mid-2023. Construction of the new PP purification plant will start once the permitting process is completed, which should be somewhere in 2024. The plant will supply the European market with PureCycle’s Ultra-Pure Recycled resin and create 65 to 70 new jobs in the project’s initial phase. Both local and European subsidies and grants are being pursued to further fund the project.
The announcement of our investment in Flanders – our first location in Europe – marks the next phase in PureCycle's global growth strategy.
“We are excited to bring our Ultra-Pure Recycled resin to customers in Europe, where companies and policies are at the forefront of the circular economy,” explains Wiebe Schipper, PureCycle’s Vice President of European Operations. “Becoming part of the NextGen District in Flanders enables us to capitalize on existing efficiencies, work together with other innovators and forge new partnerships.”
At Flanders Investment & Trade, we were pleased to assist PureCycle in finding its place within Flanders' innovative ecosystem. It's fantastic to witness how international business and investment ties can help boost sustainable ambitions on both sides of the Atlantic.
Advancing the circular economy
PureCycle’s new project is one of the largest investments to date in the NextGen District. Located in the Antwerp area of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, the district acts as a global hub for companies looking to advance the circular economy. PureCycle was awarded a concession agreement following the NextGen District’s most recent selection round. “We want to thank the Port of Antwerp-Bruges for believing in our mission and supporting us to get this project off the ground,” says Schipper. “The PureCycle team looks forward to creating a more sustainable future together.”
We are thrilled to partner with PureCycle on this strategic project.
“The NextGen District creates an innovative hotspot for companies dedicated to building a circular economy and developing sustainable solutions for some of the world’s toughest climate and environmental challenges,” comments Port of Antwerp-Bruges CEO Jacques Vandermeiren. “We are thrilled to partner with PureCycle on this strategic project to help bring that vision to life.”
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press release PureCycle and Port of Antwerp-Bruges
