China-based Recon Technology has completed primary construction on the main manufacturing plant for its 40,000-ton-per-year waste plastic chemical recycling project, the company announced Aug. 25.
This marks a key breakthrough in the project, as it officially enters the equipment installation and commissioning phase, according to the company.
To date, Recon reports it has invested over $15 million in the project. The plant in Shandong is expected to be fully completed by November, followed by a one-month trial operations phase in December in accordance with domestic regulations.
The Recon plastic chemical recycling project reportedly spans about 50 acres. Upon startup, the plant will include six pyrolysis units, two distillation units and environmental protection facilities. The facility is expected to produce 30,000 tons of plastic pyrolysis oil and 6,000 tons of carbon residue annually, with estimated returns of $30 million, said the company in a press statement.
Recon said it is in discussions with multinational and domestic chemical companies and has signed product purchase intent and strategic cooperation agreements for applications of its pyrolysis oil products.
The project reportedly employs a dual-process design combining catalytic pyrolysis and catalytic reforming. The pyrolysis process uses a horizontal screw-type three-stage continuous reactor designed to address plastic coking challenges and ensure stable feedstock supply. Catalytic reforming increases the olefin content of the pyrolysis oil, enhancing its value.
The primary raw material for the project is membrane film-type waste plastic, which is difficult to recycle mechanically, according to the company.
