Dutch cleantech companies BlueAlp and BioBTX have announced a major step forward in chemical recycling, with BlueAlp selected as the technology partner for BioBTX’s flagship facility in Delfzijl. 

 

The project aims to transform hard-to-recycle mixed plastic waste into high-value circular aromatics used in fuels, automotive materials, and advanced chemicals.

 

At the heart of the plant is a tightly integrated two-step process. BlueAlp’s patented pyrolysis technology will first convert post-consumer mixed plastic waste into a gas-phase by gradually heating the material. 

 

BioBTX will then apply its proprietary catalytic ICCP process to upgrade these vapours into circular aromatics, including benzene, toluene, and xylene—core building blocks for the petrochemical industry.

 

The Delfzijl facility will process approximately 20 kilotonnes per year (kta) of mixed plastic waste. BlueAlp will license its technology to BioBTX and take responsibility for detailed engineering, design, and fabrication of the pyrolysis unit. The module is currently being built at BlueAlp’s headquarters in Eindhoven and will be transported for installation starting December 2026.

 

“After an extensive evaluation process, we selected BlueAlp because of their continuous process, proven technology and TRL 9 maturity,” said Ton Vries, CEO at BioBTX. 

 

“By incorporating BlueAlp’s technology with BioBTX’s ICCP technology, we are creating a true best-of-both-worlds solution, one with the potential to fundamentally reshape the future of the circular chemical industry.”

 

BlueAlp also highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership. 

 

Valentijn de Neve, CEO at BlueAlp, added: “This collaboration with BioBTX represents an important milestone for BlueAlp. It allows us to play a larger role in the circular aromatics market as combining our technology with BioBTX provides a more direct pathway towards circular Benzene, Toluene and Xylene. We are impressed by BioBTX’s innovative technology and the strength and commitment of their team.”

 

Both companies say the project is designed to accelerate the shift toward circular chemicals and reduce dependence on fossil-based feedstocks. The Delfzijl plant will be BioBTX’s first commercial-scale facility deploying ICCP technology and is positioned as a key milestone for the industry.

 

BioBTX, which has already demonstrated its ICCP technology at pilot scale in Groningen, is now moving into full commercial deployment. BlueAlp, headquartered in Eindhoven with around 130 employees, brings experience from earlier deployments in Switzerland and scale-up projects in Europe.

 

Once operational, the Delfzijl facility is expected to serve as a reference site for large-scale chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste into high-value aromatic chemicals.