Dutch start-up BioBTX has reportedly reached a Final Investment Decision (FID) for its PETRA circular aromatics plant in Delfzijl. The plant is described as the world’s first commercial-scale facility to convert waste plastics into renewable aromatic oil, producing benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX), it is reported.
The PETRA plant is reported to process 20,000 tonnes of waste plastic per year to produce renewable aromatic oil (BTX) and by-products. Construction is targeted to begin in early 2027, with start-up planned for mid-2028, it is reported.
The investment raised is reported at more than €80 million, with production capacity of 10,000 tonnes per year of renewable aromatic oil (BTX) plus 8,000 tonnes of by-products. Greenhouse gas emissions are reported to be reduced by 70-80% compared with conventional fossil-based aromatics production, with around 35 new jobs expected to be created.
Investment in facilities that convert waste plastics into chemical feedstock is reportedly increasing in line with the European Union’s strengthened circular economy and plastics recycling policies, and this FID is regarded as a representative example of that trend.
This case illustrates the ongoing commercialization in Europe of chemical recycling-based aromatics production technology.
Whether the construction start date is met, and the verification of actual yield and economics after commercial start-up, are worth watching.