Takeaways

• TotalEnergies has launched France’s first advanced plastics recycling plant, marking progress toward a circular plastics economy.
• The facility uses pyrolysis technology from Plastic Energy to convert hard-to-recycle plastic waste into synthetic oil, reducing landfill and incineration.
• Partnerships with Citeo and Paprec will help ensure a steady supply of waste materials for the plant.

France-based energy company TotalEnergies has announced the launch of the country’s first advanced plastics recycling plant, marking a significant step toward reducing plastic waste and supporting a circular economy. The facility is located at the company’s Grandpuits site near Paris and is designed to convert hard-to-recycle household plastics into synthetic oil.

The new plant has an annual processing capacity of 15,000 tons of plastic waste. It forms part of TotalEnergies’ broader effort to transform the Grandpuits site into a “zero-crude” platform, meaning the site will gradually move away from traditional fossil-based operations toward more sustainable solutions.

The facility uses pyrolysis recycling technology provided by Plastic Energy. Pyrolysis involves heating plastic waste at high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment. This process breaks down materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle through conventional mechanical methods. Many of these plastics currently end up in landfills or are incinerated, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Read More: Lummus, Dongyang Partner on Advanced Plastic Recycling

Through pyrolysis, the plastic waste is converted into synthetic oil, which can then be used as a petrochemical feedstock. This allows manufacturers to replace fossil-based inputs with recycled alternatives, helping reduce dependence on virgin raw materials while supporting resource efficiency.

TotalEnergies has also worked to secure a long-term supply of plastic waste for the plant. In 2023, the company signed agreements with Citeo, which focuses on recycling solutions, and Paprec, a major recycling firm. These partnerships aim to ensure a stable stream of waste materials needed to keep the plant running efficiently.

According to Valérie Goff, Senior Vice President, Renewables, Fuels & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, the launch represents an important milestone in the company’s sustainability strategy. She noted that the project supports the development of a new plastic recycling industry in France, combining innovative technology with strong partnerships.

The project highlights the growing role of advanced recycling in addressing plastic waste challenges globally. Traditional recycling methods are often limited in their ability to process complex or contaminated plastics. Technologies such as pyrolysis are gaining attention for their potential to expand recycling capabilities and reduce environmental impact.

Also Read: LYB Opens Advanced Recycling Centre in Germany

As governments and companies look for ways to cut emissions and reduce waste, initiatives like this plant demonstrate how innovation can contribute to more sustainable industrial systems. The Grandpuits project also reflects a broader shift within the energy sector toward low-carbon and circular solutions.

With increasing regulatory and consumer pressure to manage plastic waste responsibly, advanced recycling facilities may play a crucial role in supporting climate and sustainability goals in the years ahead.

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Source: ESGtoday