Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem) has successfully completed the first commercial-scale circular polyethylene (PE) production in the US using recycled mixed-waste plastics.
The company’s circular PE matches the performance and safety specifications of the virgin polymers it is known for across the world.
Chevron Phillips Chemical polymers and sustainability vice-president Jim Becker said: “The successful production run marks a huge step for CPChem on our path to being a world leader in producing circular polymers.
“This development is an important milestone for us as we further our commitment to proactively help the world find sustainable solutions, including the elimination of plastic waste in the environment.”
According to the company, commercial-scale production is a significant achievement and comes after it had been exploring the technical viability of creating circular polymers from waste plastics for a two-year period.
At present, Chevron Phillips Chemical is working on increasing its circular polyethylene production to meet its ambitious production plans.
As part of this, the company will work with several suppliers of pyrolysis oil, which is made from waste plastics.
Through the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification Plus (ISCC Plus) approach, Chevron Phillips Chemical will also pursue certification for the new PE.
After obtaining certification, the company plans to market the circular polyethylene range under the Marlex Anew Circular Polyethylene trade name.
Chevron Phillips Chemical sustainability technical manager Ron Abbott, said: “This advanced recycling technology allows us to recover hydrocarbons from plastic waste that have previously been difficult, or even impossible to recycle, enabling us to upgrade them into clean, safe circular plastics.”
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