Dow has announced a strategic investment in Netherlands-based chemical recycling company Xycle, marking another step in its commitment to transform 3 million metric tons of plastic waste into circular solutions annually. The collaboration, which includes partners ING and Vopak, will support construction of Xycle’s first commercial-scale plant in Rotterdam’s port area, slated for completion by late 2026.
Advanced Technology Tackles Mixed Plastic Waste
Xycle’s innovative low-temperature pyrolysis process addresses a critical gap in plastic recycling by breaking down mixed waste streams that traditional mechanical recycling cannot process. The technology converts complex plastic waste into high-quality pyrolysis oil, which Dow will use as feedstock for producing virgin-grade plastics suitable for sensitive applications like food packaging and medical components.
Modular Design Enables Flexible Scaling
The Rotterdam facility’s modular design represents a breakthrough in recycling infrastructure, allowing capacity adjustments between 21 kilotons annually up to 100 kilotons as demand grows. This scalable approach helps mitigate risk while ensuring efficient operations, with future plans to deploy similar plants globally. The technology complements Dow’s existing mechanical recycling capabilities rather than replacing them.
Creating Closed-Loop Solutions for Industry
By integrating Xycle’s output into its production chain, Dow aims to establish true circularity for difficult-to-recycle plastics. The partnership reflects growing industry recognition that chemical recycling must play a role alongside mechanical methods to achieve meaningful plastic waste reduction targets and meet increasing demand for sustainable materials.
Accelerating Europe’s Circular Economy Transition
The Port of Rotterdam location positions the facility at the heart of Europe’s industrial and logistics networks, facilitating waste collection and product distribution. As regulatory pressure mounts for plastic waste solutions, this investment demonstrates how major chemical companies are partnering with innovators to develop commercially viable recycling technologies at scale.
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