Boosting Sustainable Plastics Production in Europe

Versalis, Eni‘s chemical division, has launched a cutting-edge facility in Porto Marghera dedicated too producing plastics from mechanically recycled materials. This initiative underscores Versalis’ commitment to fostering a circular and environmentally responsible economy through advanced technology and the reuse of post-consumer plastics.

Porto Marghera Plant: A Hub for Recycled Polystyrene

The Porto Marghera plant boasts a significant production capacity of up to 20,000 tons annually, focusing on Crystal Polystyrene (R-GPPS) and expandable polystyrene (R-EPS). The plant utilizes secondary raw materials (MPS) derived from recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste, addressing the escalating demand for eco-conscious solutions across various industrial and commercial sectors. This move aligns with the European Union’s push for increased plastic recycling rates, aiming for 50% of plastic packaging to be recycled by 2025.

Versalis Revive: A Commitment to Recycled Content

The output from this new plant is integrated into the Versalis Revive product line, which specializes in mechanically recycled products. These products contain between 35% and 100% post-consumer recycled plastics. Key applications include the packaging and construction industries, with materials used in thermal insulation panels for buildings and protective packaging for household appliances. The Versalis Revive line meets stringent market demands,ensuring quality,safety,and high performance.

Strategic Location and Economic Impact

Beyond addressing the challenges facing the European chemical sector, this project strengthens Versalis’ product portfolio and enhances its market competitiveness. The strategic location of the Porto Marghera site, near key European markets and other Versalis facilities in Mantua, Ferrara, and Ravenna, ensures efficient logistics for both raw materials and finished goods. This geographical advantage is crucial, especially considering the current supply chain disruptions affecting global industries.

Future Expansion and Vision

Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis, emphasized the importance of the new plant:

The new plant in Porto Marghera represents a first piece of the conversion of the Venetian petrochemical, in line with the conversion and relaunch plan of Versalis which has recently been signed at the Ministry of companies and Made in Italy. In Porto Marghera we plan to create further investment steps to increase the mechanical recycling platform of plastics and to consolidate and enhance the logistic hub, including the cryogenic deposit for the ethylene.
Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis

This initiative marks the beginning of a broader transformation of the Porto Marghera site into a hub for advanced plastics recycling and logistics, reinforcing Versalis’ dedication to a sustainable future.