BioBTX, a developer of circular chemistry technology based in Groningen, has announced that it has taken a positive investment decision regarding the PETRA project: the world’s first commercial-scale plant to convert plastic waste directly into renewable aromatics.
PETRA is the first commercial-scale application of BioBTX’s proprietary ICCP (Integrated Catalytic Cracking Process) technology. The plant will produce approximately 10,000 tonnes of renewable aromatic oil per year, consisting of benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX), alongside 8,000 tonnes of sustainable by-products. This milestone marks the completion of a fourteen-year journey – from BioBTX’s original idea in 2012, through laboratory and pilot-scale testing, to commercial implementation – and accelerates the global commercialisation of renewable aromatics. Aromatics are key building blocks for, amongst other things, medicines, coatings, plastics and high-performance materials.
ICCP technology
BioBTX offers a circular alternative to conventional aromatics derived from fossil oil, with identical performance. This is made possible by ICCP technology, which enables the direct production of drop-in chemical building blocks. The ICCP (Integrated Catalytic Cracking Process) technology, developed in-house by BioBTX, converts plastic waste and biomass into renewable aromatics.
The process
The process consists of two integrated steps: the feedstock – plastic waste and biomass – is first thermally cracked in an oxygen-free environment, after which the resulting gases are catalytically upgraded to BTX. By separating these two steps, the reaction conditions can be precisely controlled, catalysts last longer, and mixed and contaminated waste streams that conventional recycling cannot handle can be processed. The resulting BTX – benzene, toluene and xylenes – are drop-in chemical building blocks that are chemically identical to their fossil-based counterparts.
Greenhouse gas reduction
This technology will achieve a 70–80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions over the life cycle at the first plant, with the prospect of even higher, carbon-negative savings in the future. By incorporating renewable aromatics into these products, customers can increase the proportion of recycled material and reduce their Scope 3 emissions.
Sustainable aromatics
With this significant milestone, BioBTX has become the first company in the world to establish a fully renewable aromatics plant – a major step towards decarbonising the chemical industry. Now that the permits have been granted and the engineering and financing agreements are in place, the project is moving into the implementation phase.
Planning
The key equipment suppliers, contractors and partners have been selected, and the manufacture of the process modules has begun. On-site construction is due to start in early 2027, and the plant is expected to commence operations in mid-2028. In addition to commercial production, the plant will demonstrate that ICCP technology is feasible on a commercial scale. This will pave the way for larger installations and for the wider application of circular and bio-based aromatics.
Mixed plastic waste
This first plant will focus on mixed plastic waste, but the ICCP technology is flexible in terms of feedstock and can be expanded in the future to include other sources, such as biomass. The plant will strengthen the green chemistry cluster at Chemie Park Delfzijl, developed by Groningen Seaports and the province of Groningen, and will create jobs for around 35 people, to be phased in over the coming year.
Funding
Funding for the project is being provided by BioBTX’s shareholders, including InvestNL, Infinity Recycling, Covestro, NOM and Carduso Capital, alongside debt financing provided by Colesco Capital, the Economic Agenda Start-up Capital Fund (financed by Economische Agenda Nij Begun) and the Province of Groningen, and a DEI+ grant awarded by RVO.
Milestone
“Reaching this important milestone in BioBTX’s development is a major step towards our mission: to enable circular chemistry. I am immensely proud of the entire BioBTX team and our shareholders, whose dedication and commitment have made this possible. We are going to build the world’s first fully sustainable aromatics plant. A fantastic achievement!” said Ton Vries, co-founder and CEO of BioBTX.
Photo: Delfzijl Chemical Cluster, the Netherlands (photo: BioBTX)
See also: Greenchoice and Invest-NL acquire stake in Dutch manufacturer of circular energy storage systems
Reaching this important milestone in BioBTX’s development is a major step towards our mission: to enable circular chemistry.Ton Vries, co-founder and CEO of BioBTX
