Clariant has partnered with Borealis, a leading provider of advanced and circular polyolefin solutions, and SINTEF, one of Europe's largest independent research organizations, in demonstrating Clariant's pyrolysis oil (pyoil) upgrading technology, marking a significant milestone in advancing circular economy solutions for the plastics industry.

Effective close-loop recycling on industrial scale

The collaboration centered on upgrading pyoil derived from plastic waste to steam cracker-compatible feedstock that fully meets cracker-grade quality specifications.

Clariant provided a tailored catalyst design and commercial samples of its specialized HDMax catalyst for pyoil upgrading and HYDEX catalyst for hydrocracking. Borealis defined the required target quality of the pyoil and offered chemically recycled polyolefin solutions under the Borcycle C portfolio. SINTEF conducted comprehensive pilot-scale testing and validation at its state-of-the-art research facility in Norway.

The pilot-scale testing delivered excellent results, successfully transforming plastic waste-derived pyoil into high-quality feedstock suitable for virgin polyolefin production.

The HDMax catalyst achieved full conversion across all critical parameters: complete saturation of dienes without gum formation — a crucial requirement for downstream processing — along with complete conversion of contaminants like oxygenates, nitrogenates, and halogenides.

HDMax catalyst for pyoil upgrading

A key differentiator of Clariant's HDMax technology is its ability to achieve all required specifications in a single multi-layer hydrotreating reactor, compared to alternative technologies that require three to four reactors.

This streamlined process significantly reduces operational complexity, and energy consumption. Additionally, the technology enables subsequent hydrocracking to produce naphtha-like hydrocarbon fractions, further enhancing process efficiency and product flexibility.

Advancing circular economy

The successful demonstration validates a proven pathway for reintegrating recycled plastic-derived materials into industrial production of high-quality materials. By converting plastic waste back into high-quality feedstock, this technology supports the transition to a more circular economy where plastic materials can be recycled without compromising on quality.