LyondellBasell bolsters PCR plastic capabilities with stake in Dutch recycler
20 Jul 2023 --- LyondellBasell has acquired a 50% stake in Netherlands-based Stiphout Industries. Stiphout is involved in the sourcing and processing of post-consumer plastic packaging waste. The company operates a facility with an annual processing capacity equivalent to the amount of plastic packaging waste generated by over 500,000 Dutch citizens per year.
“Investing in Stiphout aligns with our strategy to invest in recycling and plastic waste processing companies that support our existing assets in the Netherlands and Germany and fits with our integrated hub model,” says Yvonne van der Laan, LyondellBasell’s executive vice president, Circular and Low Carbon Solutions.
“Through this collaboration, we can leverage local synergies with our Quality Circular Polymers business in terms of logistics and operations. It also unlocks possibilities to further expand our CirculenRecover portfolio, creating solutions for customers and brand owners in support of their circular and low-carbon targets.”
Stiphout was founded in 2015 and has experience in the processing of plastic household waste into clean flakes of recycled PP and high-density PE materials, establishing itself as an “innovative player” in the Netherlands.
“Partnering with an experienced polymer producer will provide possibilities to further step-up commercial and operational excellence of our operations,” says Eline Stiphout, founder and CEO of the Stiphout group. “We share [the belief] that circularity is critical to helping end plastic waste.”
Closing the loop
LyondellBasell and agricultural film recycler AFA Nord last month announced they are creating a joint venture company named LMF Nord to recycle post-commercial flexible secondary packaging waste.
The partners will build a mechanical recycling plant in Northern Germany to convert linear low-density PP and low-density PE waste into quality recycled plastic materials for flexible packaging.
Last year, the chemical industry company joined Nextek’s Nextloopp food-grade recycled PP packaging initiative, which has brought together more than 40 major industry players to pioneer post-consumer plastics recycling and product design.
“LyondellBasell is one of the largest producers of virgin PP resin and its participation in the Nextloopp project is an expression of its focus on delivering the best circular solutions for PP products. Its valuable expertise will help drive the Nextloopp project forward,” professor Ed Kosior, founder of Nextek and Nextloop, told Packaging Insights.
Edited by Natalie Schwertheim
