PureCycle Technologies, Inc. and the Port of Antwerp-Bruges announced that PureCycle intends to build its first PP recycling facility in Europe in the port's fast-growing NextGen District located in Belgium.

The new plant is expected to have an annual capacity of 59,000 metric tons, with opportunities to expand operations in the future since the 14-hectare plot can support up to four processing lines with an anticipated total capacity of approximately 240,000 metric tons per year (in total for all four processing lines).

PureCycle is currently engaged in feedstock sourcing and financial planning with the intent to secure a final project timeline by mid-2023. Construction of the plant is expected to begin upon completion of the permitting process, which is currently anticipated in 2024. 

NextGen District in Belgium will be the location for PureCycle’s first plastic recycling plant in Europe.

NextGen District is a global hub for businesses seeking to advance the circular economy. The district is located at the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, Europe's second largest seaport. PureCycle was recently awarded a concessionaire contract during NextGen's competitive bid selection process.

Wiebe Schipper, PureCycle Vice President of European Operations, remarked, "We are excited to bring our Ultra-Pure Recycled (UPR) resin to customers in Europe, where companies and policies are at the forefront of the circular economy. Being in the NextGen District will enable us to capitalize on existing efficiencies, collaborate with other innovators in the space and forge new partnerships."

Port of Antwerp-Bruges CEO, Jacques Vandermeiren, said, "The Port of Antwerp-Bruges' NextGen District is committed to creating an innovation hotspot where companies dedicated to building a circular economy and developing sustainable solutions to some of the world's toughest climate and environmental challenges can thrive. We're thrilled to be partnering with PureCycle on this strategic project to help bring that vision to life."

PureCycle is already in active negotiations with potential feedstock and offtake partners and expects to commence commercial operations at its new European facility when construction of the first processing line is completed.