Plans to develop a new plastics recycling plant in Sunderland – creating over 100 jobs and processing waste that is largely not recycled in the UK – are back on the horizon.
TCP Circular is progressing plans to develop land at the Port of Sunderland, where planning permission is already in place for a processing plant that can take mixed plastic waste from across the north of England.
Preparatory engineering works have begun on site to create a new access road to the 12-acre plot on the eastern edge of the port, where planning permission was granted by Sunderland City Council in February 2023. In addition, an exclusivity agreement for the site has been signed between Sunderland City Council and TCP Circular.
Original plans to develop the plant have not come to fruition, but TCP Circular – led by chemical recycling veterans Chris Lach and Bill Elliott – is now taking the development forward. It is hoped the plant will be operational during 2028.
A sustainable alternative to incineration and landfill
The plant will process mixed plastic waste from across the north of England that would otherwise have been incinerated or potentially disposed of in landfill.
Using pyrolysis technology, the materials will be heated in the absence of oxygen so they melt and break down into raw materials (pyrolysis oil) that can be used again in the manufacture of new products, including high-grade plastics.
The plant will be designed to process around 100,000 tonnes a year of low value plastic waste, such as soft food packaging and a variety of domestic and industrial plastics. At present, in the UK, these are incinerated in energy-from-waste plants or disposed of in landfill.
The raw materials produced in the plant will be shipped from the port to customers in the petrochemical industry to be used again, while self-generated gas (NCG) will be used to power the facility.
Chris Lach, CEO of TCP Circular, said: “We’re pleased to announce our intention to develop a plastics recycling plant at the Port of Sunderland and look forward to bringing our plans to life in the months ahead.
“Facilities such as this are greatly needed across the UK as we move towards a more circular economy and reduce CO2 emissions.
“We believe it’s an excellent site and are excited to be working with Sunderland City Council, playing a small part in their ambitious plans to transform the city into a key hub for businesses in the sustainable technologies and green industries. We look forward to updating the community as our plans develop.”
Cllr Michael Mordey, Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of the Port Board, said: “The Green Economy accounts for a significant share of economic output here in Sunderland, so it is fantastic news that TCP has chosen Port of Sunderland to house this leading-edge facility.
“The port is already home to a growing cluster of businesses operating in the circular economy and, alongside our world leading track record in Electric Vehicle and battery manufacturing, TCP’s investment would be yet another key milestone in our journey as we embed and grow Sunderland’s reputation as a global hub for sustainable investment.”