SynPet at ABLC NEXT 2024: Powering Circular Progress
Brussels, 18 November 2024. SynPet Technologies, the Belgium-based leading chemical recycling company, recently participated as a sponsor and speaker at the ABLC NEXT 2024 Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference on Next-Gen Technologies, held in San Francisco from October 23 to 25.
ABLC NEXT 2024 brought together innovators, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore cutting-edge advancements in bioeconomy technologies.
SynPet’s presentation, led by Cem Ozsuer, captivated attendees with its innovative approach to transforming waste management and recycling through its patented Thermal Conversion Process (TCP™).
Addressing the Shortcomings of Traditional Waste Management
In his presentation, Mr. Cem Ozsuer, CEO of SynPet, highlighted his 12-year journey to find a sustainable solution for the world’s growing waste problem.
“About 12 years ago, we embarked on a journey to find a sustainable solution for waste management. The objective was to find a new process or to create a new process where we could take incineration or landfill material—basically unsorted municipal solid waste—and turn it into useful products such as renewable fuels. ,” said Ozsuer.
He highlighted the limitations of current waste management practices, including incineration, landfilling, pyrolysis, Fischer-Tropsch, and gasification. As these methods often require pre-treatment, they are limited in the types of waste they can handle and may have negative environmental impacts.
Ozsuer examined SynPet’s Thermal Conversion Process (TCP™), overcoming these challenges by processing complex mixed plastics, including PVC, without sorting or drying.
A Journey Towards Sustainable Waste Solutions
SynPet’s journey began in 2015 with the construction of its first demonstration plant, developed in partnership with leading industry players like Bechtel, Shell Chemicals, and TÜV SÜD. This collaboration ensured that the technology was thoroughly validated and scalable.
SynPet’s proprietary TCP™ technology uses a thermochemical process to break down plastic waste at high temperatures, converting it into renewable crude oil or synthetic crude oil. This oil can be directly refined into valuable products like LPG, naphtha, kerosene, and diesel.
Mr. Cem Ozsuer, CEO of SynPet, highlighted the shift in SynPet’s business model:
“When we moved the project to Europe, the business model actually changed on the way. From a renewables project, it turned into a circularity project around 2019-2020. The demand in Europe was not for renewable fuels; it was about plastic circularity, recycling, and producing new plastics from old plastics. We had an advantage since we already worked with unsorted, contaminated, dirty plastics. We were basically processing mixed plastic waste into what is known as circular naphtha.“
The innovation in SynPet’s business model transformed refuse destined for landfills or incineration into circular products such as circular naphtha, gas, electricity/steam, and biochar, supporting a circular bioeconomy.
Focus on the ARA Region and Global Expansion
SynPet is developing a commercial-scale plant in Antwerp, capable of processing up to 1,500 tonnes of waste daily. The company’s strategic focus on the Antwerp-Rotterdam-Amsterdam (ARA) region capitalises on the area’s position as a major hub for plastic waste and petrochemical processing.
Looking ahead, SynPet plans to expand its operations and bring circularity to the United States, targeting key industrial hubs to address the underdeveloped circular economy in waste management. With an estimated 400 million tonnes of plastic waste generated annually in the US, SynPet’s technology is poised to make a significant impact.
SynPet’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its environmental impact. A recent life cycle assessment confirmed that for every tonne of plastic processed, SynPet reduces 1.7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent emissions. By 2032, with a network of three fully operational plants, SynPet aims to process an impressive 660,000 tonnes of mixed plastic waste annually.
The Path Forward
Mr. Cem Ozsuer highlighted SynPet’s commitment to innovation with its TCP™ technology, a thermochemical process that converts plastic waste into valuable resources. This approach, combined with partnerships with industry leaders, positions SynPet as a leader in transitioning to a circular bioeconomy.
SynPet’s presence at ABLC NEXT 2024 showcased its advancements and engaged stakeholders, including industry leaders and policymakers. By demonstrating the viability of its solutions, SynPet inspired a re-evaluation of waste management practices, advocating for circular models that prioritise resource optimisation and environmental stewardship.
