Chemical start-up Vioneo has decided to build its planned 300,000 t/yr methanol-to-polymers (MTP) plant in China instead of Europe, saying a location close to green methanol supply will "enable pricing that works … and a faster route to market".
The China site will use the same technology partners, product specifications and sustainability commitments as the proposed European project. Production is likely in 2029-30, with capacity unchanged at 200,000 t/yr of polypropylene and 100,000 t/yr of polyethylene, the company said.
A spokesperson said Vioneo — a subsidiary of Denmark's Moller Holding — is "pulling out" of Europe for now but may return to build polymer capacity on the continent in future. The firm's priority is to bring "fossil-free plastics to market as quickly as possible", the spokesperson said, adding that moving to China will allow the company to be more competitive on pricing.
Vioneo has already signed preliminary supply deals with buyers and said it can serve these global customers from Asia rather than Europe.
Vioneo had previously planned to build its first commercial-scale unit in Antwerp, Belgium. Last month it said this plant would start up in 2029, using green methanol sourced from agricultural and forestry residues that do not compete with food production. But it also noted at the time that Europe lacked sufficient feedstock and that supply might need to come from Asia. The China plant will also use agricultural and forestry residues as feedstock, the spokesperson said.
The company last month welcomed the European Bioeconomy Strategy, which aims to support the use of bio-based plastics and novel materials by 2027 alongside recycling. Vioneo said the strategy would "create real advantages" for its customer base.
