Chemical Recycling
Endolys Ltd has secured planning approval for a £125 million plastic film recycling facility in Darlington, paving the way for one of the UK’s largest advanced recycling projects.
The development will regenerate the former Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Works site on Yarm Road, create up to 120 skilled jobs and establish a major new circular economy hub for the North East.
Planning approval allows installation of 12 advanced pyrolysis units. Funding of £60 million has already been secured for Phase One, which will deliver the first six units, with operations expected to begin before the end of the year.
Mark Leggett, CEO of Endolys, said:
“Planning approval is a major milestone for Endolys and for advanced recycling in the UK.”
“We’re creating skilled jobs, regenerating an iconic industrial site and delivering infrastructure that will recycle plastic film that currently has few viable recycling options. This project demonstrates that the UK can lead the transition to a more circular plastics economy.”
Subject to an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency, the completed facility will process up to 120,000 tonnes of plastic film each year, producing around 80,000 tonnes of recycled pyrolysis oil for use by European refineries and petrochemical manufacturers.
Independent analysis indicates the project could prevent around 170,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually and more than 2.6 million tonnes over the plant’s lifetime.
Engineering and project management services are being provided by Middlesbrough-based Intelect. Endolys has also secured an offtake agreement with a global oil trading company for 100% of the plant’s production.
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