Pyrolysis technology units will be installed to convert waste plastic film into oil.
The facility will be located on the site of the former Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Company works, which has remained dormant since 2021.
Michael Fox, CEO of Endolys, commented on the decision: “The former Cleveland Bridge site is ideal for what we need with an excellent building in which we can house our operations, superb road and rail links and existing grid and natural gas connections.”
Pyrolysis plant to begin construction in 2026
The plant will be constructed in two phases, with £60 million already secured for the first stage.
Phase one will see the installation of six pyrolysis oil production units aimed at processing 60,000 tonnes of shredded plastic film waste each year, generating 40,000 tonnes of pyrolysis oil.
A second phase, expected to cost a similar amount, is expected to double the plant’s capacity to up to 120,000 tonnes of waste.
Endolys stated that the plastic film waste will be sourced from municipal waste facilities.
From March 2027, businesses and households will be required to include plastic film and soft packaging in their plastic recycling collections.
Subject to planning and environmental approvals, phase one operations are scheduled to begin by the end of 2026.
The project is expected to create up to 120 jobs at the Yarm Road facility, including engineering, technical and plant operation roles.
Fox continued: “This is an exciting project that will not only create high quality jobs in the growing recycling industry, but will also provide a major boost the circular economy by diverting plastic waste including many single use items such as cups, straws and plastic bags away from incineration and landfill, converting them back into a useful product.”
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This landmark investment by Endolys is fantastic news for Darlington and will breathe new life into the iconic former Cleveland Bridge site.
“As well as creating scores of well-paid, good-quality, skilled jobs, it will also put our region at the forefront of innovation in recycling and clean growth.”
Oil to be exported to European petrochemical market
Endolys has confirmed that the plant’s technology will be based on systems developed by the Niutech Environment Technology Corporation. Engineering firm Intelect, based in Tees Valley, will lead installation works on the site.
Endolys has also signed a commercial agreement with a global oil distribution and trading company that will take the entire output from the facility.
The pyrolysis oil will be stored at Navigator Terminals’ Seal Sands site before being exported into the European petrochemical market.
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