Circular Aromatics pilot project launched: 23 million euros for circular chemistry

CPNL supports Circular Aromatics Pilot with grant funding

With a CPNL grant contribution of 10 million euros to scale up innovative recycling technology that provides a sustainable alternative to complex plastic waste streams and biomass, a consortium of leading companies, knowledge institutions and universities is launching the Circular Aromatics project.

Amersfoort/Groningen, April 1, 2025

The Circular Aromatics project is a step toward the Netherlands' ambition to achieve a circular economy by 2050. Using the advanced Integrated Cascading Catalytic Pyrolysis (ICCP) technology developed by BioBTX, mixed plastic waste and biomass can be converted into high-value aromatic compounds such as benzene, toluene and xylenes (BTX), as well as olefin- and paraffin-rich streams. These are chemical building blocks for a wide range of plastics applications, from the aerospace and automotive industries to high-performance protective workwear.

CPNL's contribution highlights the importance of joint funding in scaling up innovative recycling technologies that can handle contaminated and mixed waste streams, which are otherwise incinerated or landfilled. The ICCP technology offers a breakthrough by integrating catalytic conversion processes that are compatible with existing petrochemical infrastructures, leading to a reduction in CO₂ emissions, minimization of plastic waste and economic opportunities such as licensing revenue for new sustainable technologies.

The project is being implemented as part of the expansion of BioBTX's PETRA plant in Delfzijl, an important milestone in the commercialization of circular chemical production. Partners in this initiative with a total investment of 23 million euros, are: BioBTX, catalyst producer Ketjen, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., Teijin Aramid, applied research organization NTCP, University of Groningen, University of Twente and the Institute for Sustainable Process Technology (ISPT). The Circular Aromatics project is part of the Circular Plastics NL program of the National Growth Fund.

For more information, visit: https://ispt.eu/programs/circular-plastics-initiative