More than 80 million in Tarragona and Flix: two chemical recycling plants with pyrolysis to generate nearly 100 jobs

Tarragona and Flix consolidate their role as industrial hubs after the installation of two plants dedicated to chemical recycling. Greenertis will operate in the Tarragona territory while 2G Chemical Plastic Recycling will open its doors in Flix. The joint investment exceeds 80 million euros and foresees the generation of nearly 100 stable jobs in both towns.

Technological Application and Waste Treatment

The new facilities will employ a procedure known as pyrolysis. This technique subjects materials to strict thermal degradation in the absence of oxygen. Heat acts on the molecular structure without causing any combustion reaction. Companies define this method as the adequate response for complex waste that rejects traditional mechanical recycling. With this alternative, it is avoided that such waste ends up in landfills, incinerators, or the natural ecosystem.

Strategic direction and raw material procurement

Professor Emilio Palomares directs the Catalan Institute for Chemical Research and analyzes the territorial impact of this project.

"We are facing a new vital industry if Catalonia and Europe do not want to depend on third countries" - Emilio Palomares, director of ICIQ

It details that chemical recycling recovers the initial molecule that originates any polymer. A mechanism capable of transforming plastic bottles to extract the basic structure necessary to manufacture new containers. Those responsible indicate that the raw materials will come exclusively from solid waste, organic remains, and vegetable peels. This production chain aims to minimize dependence on oil and ensure strategic autonomy similar to the current competition for batteries and microchips.

Future development and research horizon

The electrical supply for the factories could come from self-generation or external grids. The real challenge lies in guaranteeing the constant flow of increasingly limited raw materials. The opening of these plants represents a change in model for the management of industrial and urban waste.

"In the world of recycling chemistry, there is still much to investigate and discover" - Emilio Palomares, director of ICIQ

Technical evolution advances towards closed circuits that prioritize the comprehensive recovery of all available resources in the Catalan sphere.