INEOS O&P Europe has announced a €30m investment in the conversion of its plant in Lillo, at the Port of Antwerp to enable its existing capacity to produce either monomodal or bi-modal grades of high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

HDPE is a key building block for producing a wide variety of goods, including many of those that will play an essential role in the transition to net zero.

The investment will also enable INEOS to meet growing demand for applications that will be critical to the new energy economy.

Rob Ingram, CEO, INEOS O&P Europe North said, “This investment will enable our business to support the growing use of products that play a key role in the transition to net zero, as well as other uses essential to homes and businesses.”

This will allow INEOS to meet the strong demand for durable high-end applications such as cable ducts and pipes used to transport green energy sources such as renewable power and hydrogen, whilst enabling the business to follow market trends as society reduces single use packaging.

INEOS will use its proprietary technology to build on its leading position as a supplier to the high-density pressure pipe market, working with customers to supply key regions and segments such as drinking water, gas, sewage, and industrial applications including geothermal and biogas.

The investment will also enable INEOS to meet growing demand for applications that will be critical to the new energy economy, for example: pressure pipe grids for transporting hydrogen; long-distance underground cable ducts networks for wind farms and transportation of other forms of renewable power; electrification infrastructure; and CO2 capture, transport and storage processes.

Following the upgrade, the Lillo site will increase production of the highly engineered polymers INEOS combines with recycled plastic waste to form the Recycl-IN range, which enables converters and brand owners to produce products that meet consumer demands for increased use of recycled materials while continuing to deliver the high-performance specifications they expect. It will also enable INEOS to work with customers to develop new grades of Recycl-IN products.

INEOS’ long term renewable wind energy contract has already lowered the site’s carbon footprint associated with the production of its products.

Rob Ingram, CEO, INEOS O&P Europe North said, “This investment will enable our business to support the growing use of products that play a key role in the transition to net zero, as well as other uses essential to homes and businesses.”

“The Lillo investment also shows our commitment to helping to create a thriving circular economy. Our Recycl-IN polymer range gives our customers the quality and confidence they need to help them to increase the use of recycling materials,” added Ingram.