Irish Firm Turns Plastic Waste Into Bio-Oil for Shell
Highlights
- Trifol Resources turning plastic waste into bio-oil and wax and now supplying Shell with sustainable products.
- Their patented process supports the circular economy by converting plastic waste into fuel and chemical feedstock.
- Trifol plans to build 14 more plants in the next 2 years and is exploring new markets in the EU and beyond.
- The EU goal to reduce waste by 60% by 2030 matches Trifol’s mission.
Irish company Trifol Resources based in Tipperary has secured a deal to supply Shell with bio-oil from plastic waste. This bio-oil is called pyrolysis oil and can be used in many products.
Trifol Resources uses a patented process that converts plastic waste into 2 byproducts: 50% wax and 50% oil, according to the company. These byproducts are versatile and can be used to make chemical feedstock, fuel, diesel and even makeup.
In Ireland, individuals generate about 58kg of plastic waste per year, according to Trifol. The company’s plant at the former Bord na Móna briquette factory in Lanespark, Co Tipperary started full-scale production in June. Trifol plans to build 14 more plants in the next 2 years.
They are also exploring 8 other EU markets with strong interest in Germany and the UAE. A company spokesperson said Trifol plans to have 2 plants producing 1,90,000 tonnes by 2030, one in Ireland and one in either the UK or Germany.
The EU Waste Framework Directive aims to reduce waste by 60% by 2030. The Trifol project is supported by the European Commission and Ireland’s climate action fund.
Pat Alley, Chairman of Trifol Resources said, “This is our first major project in Europe, producing sustainable fuel and circular chemical feedstock from waste plastic.”
He also said they are looking forward to working with Shell Chemicals Europe, a subsidiary of Shell plc, which is all about low-carbon and circular solutions.
The partnership between Trifol and Shell will promote recycling and reduce landfill. Dr. Ruben Rodriguez, CEO of Trifol Resources said their process removes plastic waste from the environment and supports the circular economy.
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Source: The Irish Times
