Braskem intends to increase the range of certified circular polypropylene by using Nexus Circular's tested, large-scale advanced recycling technology

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Nexus Circular, Braskem sign MOU to secure output from new advanced recycling facility. (Credit: PR Newswire/ Nexus Circular)

Polyolefins producers Nexus Circular and Braskem have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to secure the output from a new advanced recycling facility planned near Chicago, Illinois.

Initially, the new plant can convert more than 30,000 metric tonnes of wasted plastic per annum into new materials, with the ability to expand its capacity to over 120,000 metric tonnes annually.

According to the MOU, Braskem will have exclusive access to the output of the new and advanced recycling plant.

It will help Braskem’s goal to sell 300,000 metric tonnes of recycled-content goods by 2025 and one million metric tonnes by 2030.

Braskem America CEO Mark Nikolich said: “With the new facility, we will leverage Nexus’ proven, commercial advanced recycling technology to secure high-quality feedstock for the production of Braskem’s certified circular PP resins.

“Braskem has dedicated substantial resources towards reducing plastic waste and is making significant progress towards a more sustainable portfolio of PP to support our clients’ goals.”

Nexus Circular converts landfill-bound films and other difficult-to-recycle plastics into premium components used to create virgin-quality sustainable plastics using proprietary technology and an advanced process design.

Nexus has been consistently delivering commercial volumes of circular goods that are ISCC PLUS certified on schedule since 2018. Braskem invested strategically in Nexus Circular in January 2022.

Nexus Circular co-founder and president Eric Hartz said: “Nexus is rapidly expanding our production footprint, beyond our current commercial plant, with leading companies.

“We are thrilled to have Braskem as a committed partner, in addition to being an investor, as we move decisively to address the outsized market demand for circular recycled products while helping to mitigate the plastic waste challenge.”

For achieving recycled plastics goals, Nexus’s approach entails end-to-end acquisition and conversion of old plastics into a circular feedstock that is virgin-equivalent in quality.