Endolys Ltd has secured planning approval for a £125 million plastic film recycling facility in Darlington. The investment is to be developed at the former Cleveland Bridge and Engineering Works site on Yarm Road and is described as one of the largest advanced recycling projects in the United Kingdom. The project involves the regeneration of a post-industrial site, the creation of up to 120 skilled jobs and the establishment of a significant circular economy hub in North East England. The planning approval allows the installation of 12 advanced pyrolysis units. Endolys has already secured £60 million in funding for the first phase, which will cover the start-up of the first six units. Operations are expected to begin before the end of the year.
Scope of the investment and planned output
According to the company, full implementation of the project will depend on obtaining an Environmental Permit from the Environment Agency. Once completed, the facility is expected to process up to 120,000 tonnes of plastic film per year. The pyrolysis process is planned to produce around 80,000 tonnes of recycled pyrolysis oil annually, intended for use by European refineries and petrochemical manufacturers.
Mark Leggett, CEO of Endolys, said: "Planning approval is a major milestone for Endolys and for advanced recycling in the UK."
He also added: "We are creating skilled jobs, regenerating an iconic industrial site and delivering infrastructure that will recycle plastic film that currently has few viable recycling options. This project demonstrates that the UK can lead the transition to a more circular plastics economy."
Environmental impact and project partners
According to independent analysis, the project could prevent around 170,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually and more than 2.6 million tonnes over the plant’s lifetime. These figures refer to the planned operation of the completed facility, whose processing capacity is expected to reach up to 120,000 tonnes of plastic film per year.
Engineering and project management services are being provided by Middlesbrough-based Intelect. Endolys has also secured an offtake agreement with a global oil trading company covering 100% of the plant’s production.