Italian chemical company Versalis has completed initial production tests at its 6,000 t/yr input capacity chemical recycling site in Mantua. The company reaffirmed plans to expand the technology at a site in Priolo, Sicily which will have an input capacity of 40,000 t/yr.
The company, a subsidiary of integrated oil company Eni, is producing new plastic materials via a "high thermal performance pyrolysis reactor" as part of its "Hoop" brand. The new plastic materials will be suitable for food packaging and pharmaceuticals. The Mantua plant began construction in October 2023. The new site in Priolo was planned as part of the Eni-Versalis "chemical transformation plan" that was signed in March 2024 with the enterprise ministry, although an input capacity was not given at the time.
Eni announced plans to phase out Italian steam crackers in October 2024, choosing to focus "on a high-value downstream portfolio comprising compounding and specialised polymers, biochemistry and products from the circular economy".