Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the emerging opportunities in the chemical recycling industry, particularly focusing on the mixed plastic chemical recycling project by Rizhao Plastic Mao Environmental Technology Co., Ltd., which aims to convert waste plastics into valuable chemical products through advanced recycling technologies [2][3]. Project Overview - The mixed plastic chemical recycling (PCR) project by Rizhao Plastic Mao is a new initiative located in the Rizhao Haiyou Chemical Industrial Park, with a total investment of 680 million yuan [4]. - The first phase of the project includes a set of waste plastic chemical recycling (PCR) facilities, with a production capacity of 200,000 tons/year for the plastic oilification unit, 400,000 tons/year for the plastic oil olefination unit, and 200,000 tons/year for the olefin refining unit [4]. Technology and Processes - The company utilizes two core proprietary technologies: "Low-Temperature Low-Pressure Catalytic Cracking and Recombination (PTO)" and "High-Selectivity Catalytic Cracking Olefin Recombination (PTP)" [5]. - PTO technology converts waste plastics such as PP, PE, and PS into pyrolysis oil with a carbon-hydrogen utilization rate exceeding the industry average by 20%, allowing for higher pricing when sold to foreign chemical giants for recycling [6]. - PTP technology directly produces core components of new plastics like ethylene, propylene, and BTX with a carbon-hydrogen conversion efficiency that is 15%-20% higher, enabling a closed-loop process within a single facility without relying on petrochemical refining [7]. Strategic Path and Industry Layout - The company focuses on "technology output + joint venture construction" as its core strategy to expand the chemical recycling industry, establishing a collaborative matrix both domestically and internationally [10]. - The first chemical recycling technology licensing project in China has been implemented, providing technical support to a NASDAQ-listed petrochemical company in the U.S., with a 40,000 tons/year waste plastic oil production project underway in Weifang, expected to produce 30,000 tons of pyrolysis oil annually [10]. - Collaborations with state-owned enterprises like China Chemical aim to develop cutting-edge technologies and create a global plastic resource recycling supply chain, while also supporting brand companies in their ESG transformations [10].

Core Viewpoint - SABIC remains optimistic about the growth opportunities in sustainable and circular plastic demand in Europe despite current challenges in the petrochemical market [1] Group 1: Market Outlook - SABIC's Polymer Executive Vice President, Sami Osama, highlighted Europe as an innovation center, particularly in sectors like automotive, mobility, and healthcare, where there is significant focus on developing circular solutions [1] - The global chemical industry is currently facing a difficult period with fluctuating demand [1] Group 2: Strategic Actions - To address market downturns and competitiveness issues, SABIC plans to permanently close several petrochemical facilities in Europe over an 18-month period from January 2024 to June 2025 [1] - The company is open to further optimizing its European asset portfolio and will continue to assess operations and business for efficiency improvements [1] Group 3: Recent Developments - In August, SABIC established a joint venture with Plastic Energy in Herne, which has produced its first batch of pyrolysis oil [1] - The facility is designed to process 20,000 tons of mixed waste plastic annually and is expected to begin commercial production by the end of this year, integrating the pyrolysis oil as a substitute for traditional naphtha in polymer production [1]

Core Viewpoint - The uncertainty in EU regulations regarding bio-based naphtha and pyrolysis oil is suppressing demand in the petrochemical industry, hindering investments, and causing price differentiation based on end-use applications [2][6]. Regulatory Impact - The lack of clear and unified regulations from the EU is leading to decreased procurement interest in bio-based naphtha and pyrolysis oil from 2024 to 2025, complicating financing for new projects and infrastructure [2][3]. - The quality balance accounting rules significantly affect the potential profitability of bio-based naphtha and pyrolysis oil, with unclear regulations making investment returns unpredictable [2][4]. Legislative Developments - The EU Commission is required to assess the technological development and environmental performance of bio-based plastic packaging within three years of the PPWR regulation coming into effect, potentially setting usage targets for bio-based materials [3][4]. - The legal positioning of pyrolysis oil remains uncertain due to the Waste Framework Directive, which complicates its classification as a recyclable material [3][4]. Industry Dynamics - There are differing opinions on the recycling content targets, with the EU Council proposing phased targets for new vehicles, while the European Parliament suggests higher initial targets [4]. - The recognition of quality balance accounting is crucial for the chemical recycling sector to be included in recycling content thresholds, impacting the entire industry's profitability and competitiveness [4][5]. Market Outlook - The regulations will be key drivers for the future demand and investment in pyrolysis oil and bio-based naphtha, with earlier clarity from the EU potentially accelerating their scale development [6].