BioBTX to build commercial plastic waste recycling plant in Netherlands

BioBTX, a circular chemistry technology developer based in Groningen, is constructing the world’s first commercial-scale plant to transform mixed plastic waste into high-quality aromatic chemicals. Located at the Chemical Park Delfzijl on the northern coast of the Netherlands, the facility will utilize the company’s proprietary Integrated Catalytic Cracking Process (ICCP) technology.

The plant is designed to process approximately 20,000 tonnes of mixed plastic waste annually. Through catalytic pyrolysis, it will produce around 10,000 tonnes of aromatic oil—consisting of benzene, toluene, and xylenes (BTX)—and roughly 8,000 tonnes of sustainable by-products. These chemicals serve as essential building blocks for industries including pharmaceuticals, coatings, and performance materials.

Covestro has been a strategic partner and shareholder of BioBTX since 2024, holding a mid-single-digit million Euro stake. The project is expected to create 35 new jobs and significantly reduce environmental impact, with greenhouse gas emissions estimated to be 70% to 80% lower than conventional fossil-based BTX production.