TotalEnergies expands recycling efforts with new unit in Paris
TotalEnergies is set to expand its commitment to the circular economy with the construction of a new mechanical recycling unit for plastic waste at its Grandpuits location, southeast of Paris. This initiative is a continuation of the company’s efforts announced in June 2023, which included the enhancement of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and the establishment of a biomethane production unit.
Scheduled to commence operations in 2026, the new unit aims to produce 30,000 tons annually of compounds with up to 50% recycled plastic content. This move not only emphasises the company’s dedication to low-carbon energy but also to the broader circular economy.
To complement the recycling unit, TotalEnergies plans to set up a specialised center. This center will offer technical support to clients and spearhead the development of innovative products, ensuring robust support for the commercialisation of the new hybrid compounds.
Building on its previous investment in a production line for high-performance recycled polypropylene for the automotive sector at Carling, TotalEnergies is now broadening its recycled polymer offerings. The new Grandpuits unit will primarily cater to the high-performance packaging sector, especially for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
Bernard Pinatel, president of Refining & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This venture is a significant step for the Grandpuits zero-crude platform. It aligns with our goal to bolster the circular economy, aiming for 1 million tons of circular polymers by 2030. We remain committed to preserving 250 jobs at the site, fulfilling our pledges from September 2020.”
Grandpuits represents TotalEnergies’ ambitious vision for low-carbon energy and the circular economy. Launched in September 2020, the “zero-crude” project, with an estimated budget exceeding EUR500 million (USD532 million), focuses on pioneering activities in biomass, renewables, and the circular economy. This includes sustainable aviation fuel production, biomethane production, advanced and mechanical recycling, and green electricity generation.
