Versalis, the chemical subsidiary of Eni, has inaugurated a new demonstration plant at its Mantua site to showcase Hoop®, a proprietary chemical recycling technology designed to process mixed plastic waste. This method complements mechanical recycling by converting waste into feedstockFeedstock refers to the raw organic material used to produce biochar. This can include a wide range of materials, such as wood chips, agricultural residues, and animal manure. More that can be reused to produce new plastics, including materials suitable for food and pharmaceutical packaging.

Developed in collaboration with Italian engineering firm S.R.S., Hoop® integrates a high-performance pyrolysisPyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste biomass into bio-char, bio-oil, and pyro-gas. It offers significant advantages in waste valorization, turning low-value materials into economically valuable resources. Its versatility allows for tailored products based on operational conditions, presenting itself as a cost-effective and efficient More reactor with artificial intelligence tools used for polymer analysis and process optimization. The technology offers high recovery yields and can handle a wide range of plastic waste types.

The facility, which occupies about 5,000 square metres, began construction in late October 2023. Over 25 specialized contractors were involved during the construction phase, with an average of 70 workers on-site each day. Initial production tests have recently been completed successfully. The plant is designed to process 6,000 tonnes of secondary raw material annually and will be used to validate the technology for broader industrial application.

Plans are underway to build a larger 40,000-tonne capacity facility at Versalis’s Priolo site in Sicily. The feasibility study for this project has been completed, and the design and permitting phases are now in progress. This expansion is part of Versalis’s broader transformation plan, which emphasizes circularity, biotechnology, and specialized industrial initiatives aimed at improving sustainability across environmental, social, and economic areas.