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Recycling technology leader Plastic Energy celebrates opening of new research and development labs at Loughborough University

Left to right: Steve Christie, Professor of Chemical Technologies at Loughborough University, Andrew Lake, Plastic Energy Principal Scientist, David McNamara, Plastic Energy Chief Technology Officer, Carlos Monreal, Plastic Energy CEO

Loughborough, 30 November 2022 – Plastic Energy, global leader in chemical recycling technology, has announced the opening of its new research and development labs at Loughborough University in the UK. Plastic Energy and Loughborough University have had a partnership for the past 10 years, with Plastic Energy’s research team being based at the University and previously occupying shared laboratory space.

The new labs and a dedicated office space are located in the Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) and will be the hub for Plastic Energy’s work on further development and optimisation of its unique chemical recycling technology. The lab contains state of the art equipment, which the research team use to test feedstock and improve the quality of the final product from Plastic Energy’s TAC™ process, called TACOIL™.

The opening of the new labs and separate office were celebrated at an event last week, which was attended by the Plastic Energy leadership and research teams, and key stakeholders at Loughborough University, including Steve Christie, Professor of Chemical Technologies and Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for the Doctoral College. Professor Christie opened the event with a speech, followed by speeches from Carlos Monreal, Founder and CEO of Plastic Energy, and David McNamara, Plastic Energy’s Chief Technology Officer. The speeches were followed by a tour of the labs and demonstration of current R&D projects.

George Hargreaves, Plastic Energy Research Chemist, showcasing samples of feedstock for testing.

“LUSEP is an excellent base for Plastic Energy to continue leading the way to help create a circular economy where plastics are re-used repeatedly, for good,” said Professor Steve Christie, who has worked with the company since the outset. “With these dedicated facilities, co-located with the University’s net zero and sustainability research capabilities, I look forward to us working together to realize this shared goal.”

“After a decade of collaboration with Loughborough University, we are delighted to formally open our new Plastic Energy labs and office space at LUSEP,” said David McNamara, CTO at Plastic Energy. “This will provide a base for our research team to continue their invaluable work on our technology and act us a hub for internal and external visitors. We are grateful to Loughborough University for their continued support.”

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About Plastic Energy

Plastic Energy is a global leader in advanced (or chemical) recycling, offering a sustainable solution to help prevent plastic waste, transforming previously unrecyclable plastic waste into a valuable resource. Our patented and proven advanced recycling technology converts end-of-life plastic waste into an optimal feedstock (TACOIL™) for making virgin-quality recycled plastics. Plastic Energy currently has two advanced recycling plants that are in constant operation in Spain and is one of the few companies worldwide that has sold TACOIL™ from the conversion of end-of-life plastic waste to replace fossil oils in the manufacturing of new plastics. We are leading our field in the transition to a low-carbon circular economy for plastics.

Learn more on our website, and follow us on Twitter and Linkedin.

Press inquiries: press@plasticenergy.com