The companies said combining Agilyx’s pyrolysis technology for difficult-to-recycle plastics with BioBTX’s vapor catalytic conversion process will “create a unique synergy” for producing high-quality renewable aromatic chemicals, namely benzene, toluene and xylene (BTX).

BioBTX’s patented ICCP route comprises two steps. The first is the pyrolysis of biomass and plastics, the second is the catalytic upgrading of hydrocarbon vapors into aromatics and other products. The Groningen-based firm said that by separating the two steps, it can optimize the technology.

“This is a significant milestone for chemical recycling as it demonstrates the versatility of Agilyx conversion technology as a key enabler for not only circular plastics but also aromatic chemicals,” said Tim Stedman, CEO of Agilyx.

According to the companies, BTX represents 40% of the petrochemicals market in terms of volume, while the current total addressable market is approximately €200 billion per year, growing to €500 billion or more in 2050.

Author: Elaine Burridge, Freelance Journalist