Borealis Group AG (Vienna, Austria) and Axens (Rueil-Malmaison, France) have recently signed a license agreement for the Rewind Mix process in order to purify and upgrade 50,000 metric tons per year (m.t./yr) of pyrolysis oils produced from plastics wastes at the petrochemical plant of Borealis in Stenungsund, Sweden.
The unit is planned to be in commercial operation in 2025, subject to final investment decision, and will produce a virgin-like recycled feedstock to be further processed in the existing steam cracker unit for the production of recycled polymers, which could be used for food-grade packaging and other high-value applications.
Axens will supply the process design package of the Rewind Mix unit and the corresponding proprietary equipment, catalysts and adsorbents. Developed by IFP Energies nouvelles, Repsol and Axens, and based upon a strong industrial background, Rewind Mix provides a complete solution to turn plastic pyrolysis oils into perfect feedstock for steam cracking to make recycled plastics suitable for any application. Axens will also support Borealis with technical on-site and digital assistance, securing a long-term optimal performance of the unit.
This unit is a key element of the planned plastic advanced recycling project of Borealis in Stenungsund. The project will as well include a pyrolysis unit feeding the Rewind Mix process, and storage and logistic solutions. The plastic waste will be provided from selected partners. The project has got support from the Swedish Energy Agency for the study phases.