Incubator for plastic-to-fuel to open in Teesside

Nexergy hopes to draw on the MPI’s expertise to advance its thermo-mechanical process to convert plastic waste into a form of light crude oil.

The oil can be refined to be used as an alternative to traditional fossil-based petroleum.

The collaboration marks the start of Nexergy’s go-to-market phase and the incubator will offer a controlled environment to scale-up and de-risk the technology.

It will serve as the first of 16 planned production facilities for Nexergy in the UK.

Jason Turner, managing director at Nexergy, said: “The Materials Processing Institute offers technical expertise, cutting-edge facilities and a shared commitment to sustainable innovation.

“Locating there means we will be able to move efficiently from proof-of-concept to commercial readiness, which is a critical step as we prepare for the rollout of our first full-scale production facility.”

The MPI plans to play a central role in defining the company’s technology and supporting industrial-scale decarbonisation and testing as part of its circular plastics strategy.

Terry Walsh, CEO of the MPI, added: “The MPI supports forward-thinking companies that are developing solutions for industrial sustainability.

“Nexergy’s approach aligns well with our own research priorities and with the region’s focus on green growth.

“Setting up at our site will mean that they have immediate access to our expertise and facilities to support this programme to develop its sustainable solutions capability.”

As work progresses, Nexergy said it will engage with local stakeholders, industry partners and policymakers to ensure the project contributes to regional economic development and supports the UK’s wider environmental objectives.

Bob James, the MPI’s business development manager, said: “We are delighted to welcome Nexergy to our site and to be working together on innovative opportunities to support materials recycling and re-use.

“This partnership reflects our broader vision to drive forward clean and green technology and industrial decarbonisation across all sectors.”