Ioniqa is a clean-tech spin-off from TU Eindhoven and specialises in creating value from plastic waste through circular technology. With this revolutionary process, they can transform all types and colours of PET waste into valuable raw materials for new ‘virgin quality’ PET. This process was first tested in a pilot plant built at Plant One in the Rotterdam harbour. Subsequently Vicoma was engaged to scale up the process to a 10 kiloton plant, together with Ioniqa.
Role of Vicoma
All engineering phases for realisation of the plant were done by Vicoma. First of all our engineers assisted in the conceptual engineering. This included the process simulation. Then the EPCm contract was awarded to Vicoma. We performed the basic and detail engineering and took care of the equipment procurement and construction management during the construction of the new plant.
The project included a high temperature reactor, various vessels, separation and filtration techniques, two-stage distillation and a crystalliser. Powder generation techniques – such as a separator, dryer and conveyor – were also part of the project. Where possible, manufacturers of specialised equipment were made responsible for a process step.
Result
Due to good coordination between the parties involved, the complete plant was realised in 14 months from conceptual engineering to fully operational. In the summer of 2019, Ioniqa’s 10 kiloton upcycling plant was successfully commissioned. They are now the largest contributor worldwide in closing the loop for PET plastics. Unilever and Coca Cola are key partners in this effort.
