BioBTX raised €80 million last year to build the first renewable aromatics plant in Delfzijl.
BioBTX is developing a new technology to make Benzene, Toluene and Xylene (BTX) - also known as aromatics - from waste plastics. These chemicals are used in a variety of products, such as packaging. Currently, aromatics are still made from fossil oil; BioBTX wants to change that with a brand new plant.
The aromatics targeted by BioBTX are a large proportion of chemicals made from fossil oil (about 40%). "So these are huge quantities. Our technology has the potential to significantly green the chemical industry. BTX is at the beginning of the chain. If we can green this, the rest of the chain will also become greener," said Tijmen Vries, director of strategic development at BioBTX.
Coming full circle again
"Chemicals sound dirty, but they are not at all. We need it for everything from medicine to paint to clothing to packaging," he states. This is why, according to Vries, it is so important to produce BTX in a more sustainable way. "After all, we have to get rid of fossil raw materials as a basis. That's why plastic waste is a good substitute. That way it comes full circle."
The company is currently preparing to build its first plant, which is scheduled to open its doors in 2027. With this plant, BioBTX will focus entirely on waste plastic as a raw material for the process. "In doing so, we are contributing to a solution to the growing problem of plastic waste," he says.
Full-fledged replacement
BioBTX's more sustainable aromatics are exactly the same as aromatics made from fossil oil. That's a big advantage, de Vries says. "We can use the existing infrastructure of the chemical industry. So for potential customers little will change, they can continue to work in the same way." The price of the sustainable aromatics will be somewhat higher at first. "We still have to go through some developments, but eventually we can compete with fossil prices."
BioBTX is currently the only one in Europe producing BTX from waste plastic. "Worldwide, there are only three companies focusing on BTX. Our two competitors are based in America. The market is so big that there is enough room for several companies," says Vries.
The Groningen company has biggest plans. Vries: "We are starting with one factory. After that, the goal is to build several factories around the world."