Since childhood, science and chemistry always fascinated me. I saw them as key to unlock a world of discovery, and I wanted to have a job that immersed me in science and engineering. Since then, my career journey saw me travel the world to work on consequential projects harnessing the power of chemistry. By far, this project is one of the most critical undertakings in which I’ve participated.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the symbolic foundation stone laying for our new catalytic advanced recycling plant in Wesseling, Germany. The MoReTec-1 event was attended by distinguished parliamentarians and guests, including German Chancellor Scholz, North-Rhine Westphalia Minister-President Wuest and Minister Neubaur.
Not only did the ceremony mark the beginning of a new MoReTec facility, but a historic day for LYB, our industry and our business locations of North-Rhine Westphalia and Germany. The event signified the company’s commitment to advancing the circularity of plastic materials on an industrial scale.
LYB has devised several solutions to address the global challenge of plastic waste, including the development of our unique MoReTec technology. It represents the culmination of the hard work of many teams across LYB, not just the people that have studied and are working in Germany, but also our people that work in Italy and the United States. A truly global accomplishment!
MoReTec-1 has the potential to turn back hard to recycle, processed mixed plastic waste of 1.2 million German citizens into valuable raw materials to make new products. This ranges from, for example, shampoo bottles, automotive and appliance parts, packaging for cookies and so on. And this is only the first unit that we are building – I am convinced there will be many more to follow.
I want to stress that combined with our initiative to create an integrated, circular hub in the Cologne area, LYB has invested hundreds of millions into the region. This means jobs, economic prosperity and innovation for Germany and beyond.
However, I recognize achieving a circular economy for plastics doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It requires close collaboration with businesses, politics and regulators, science and civil society to bring the best solutions to life. The MoReTec foundation stone laying ceremony was the ideal platform to showcase to top leaders how we need solutions-oriented, practical policies and commitments to support Europe’s chemical industry, manage the energy and material transition and regain competitiveness.
If we continue the open and trustful dialogue between industry, politics and society, the continent could develop a strategically unique position to become the leader in a sustainable, circular economy with LYB steering the way.
Championing people, striving for excellence and shaping the future,
Peter
