![Rune Byremo_Kjetil Larsen[36].jpg](https://spnews.com/downloads/5525/download/Rune%20Byremo_Kjetil%20Larsen%5B36%5D.jpg?cb=aa58eed3e759119965f9e292bc39ae1a&w={width}&h={height} "Rune Byremo_Kjetil Larsen[36].jpg")
In the Nordic region, there are millions of tons of waste that can be recycled into new raw materials. Technological advancements enable us to recycle increasingly more and to higher standards.
For plastic packaging and polyester textiles, we can now chemically recycle the materials back into their original chemicals. This entails achieving 100% circularity without compromising quality, a feat only attainable through chemical recycling. Since 2019, Plast Nordic has been involved in industrial preparations for chemical recycling facilities in the Nordics. The technology is geared towards major waste streams such as plastic packaging and polyester textiles, both of which are made from Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
New collaboration
In June 2024, Plast Nordic entered into a collaboration with Norner. Norner is recognized as one of Europe's leading experts in the polymer industry, boasting by over 40 years of experience. Based in Porsgrunn, Norway, Norner operates advanced laboratories, polymerization units, and process pilot plants at an industrial scale. Norner is owned by SCG Chemicals in Thailand and serves over 700 customers in more than 60 countries. Plast Nordic and Norner have been in dialogue for several years and now seek to formalize a strategic partnership.
"Plast Nordic has the potential to significantly increase sustainability in the plastics and textile industry. However, the company needs more specialized expertise. Norner has the capacity to contribute with business strategy, polymer science, and production technical assessments, which in turn increases the realization ability of this large and important industrial project."
- Kjetil Larsen | CEO | PhD | Norner
In addition to Norner, Dr. Marianna Sarkissova also becomes a strategic partner to Plast Nordic. She has a strong profile in planning and executing major international industrial projects and with her business partners, she will contribute with her industrial expertise, access to capital, and an international network. Both Norner and Dr. Sarkissova are partners in other fields and are familiar with each other from previous collaborations.
"We aim to contribute to scalable industrial projects where sustainability and business models are well-balanced. The combination of chemical recycling of PET, Norner's capacity, Plast Nordic's position, and focus on the well-organized Nordic region is appealing to us. We will provide everything needed for successful realisation of this breakthrough opportunity.”
- Marianna Sarkisova | PhD | MBAThe framework for collaboration is now established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), outlining a strategy for how the companies collectively contribute to Plast Nordic's strategic and commercial objectives.
In the Nordic region, there are over 400,000 tons of PET waste. With a completely new industrial solution, approximately 97% of this can be chemically recycled back into the same raw materials it was made from. Current exports of PET waste represent both significant energy loss and irrational management of substantial value. Plast Nordic aims to keep this material within the circular economy, thereby creating new jobs, reducing transportation, and increasing access to valuable recycled materials. Several Nordic brands have already expressed significant interest in these products.
Highest quality of circularity
Chemical recycling of this kind represents the highest quality circularity, as it recovers the raw material value from the waste without any loss of quality. This is unprecedented on an industrial scale. Plast Nordic will recycle both plastic and textiles. Plast Nordic will employ a technology known as alkaline hydrolysis. This conventional process is enhanced with patented microwave technology from Switzerland, providing the process with unique characteristics:
- Resilience to waste impurities - up to 30% impurities without affecting quality
- Chemical-free, utilizing microwaves instead
- Fast - the process takes under 10 minutes, setting it apart from others
- 24/7 operation - the reactor runs continuously, not in batches
- Handles both plastic and polyester textiles
The end product for Plast Nordic will be chemically recycled PET resin for the plastic and textile industries, equivalent in quality to newly produced oil-based PET. Currently, there is a demonstration plant of this type in Italy, and the first full-scale factory is scheduled to open in Spain in 2027. Plast Nordic hopes to open its first factory in the Nordic region by 2028.
“While thorough preparation and access to unique technology are a promising start for such a significant industrial project, having the right industrial partners who understand the sector's complexity and dynamics, and who can contribute R&D capacity, networks, and capital, is crucial. This is now being realized.”
Rune Byremo | Project Manager | Plast Nordic
Plast Nordic is currently in the process of qualifying locations for its first factory. The company has closely examined several relevant sites in both Norway and Denmark. Locations for a Plast Nordic factory must have adequate access to renewable energy, scalability for growth, access to surplus heat (thermal energy), and good logistical capacities. We believe that this initiative will be an example for best practices towards resources efficiency and circular economy.
For more information, please visit www.norner.no and www.plastnordic.no