The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and VITO present results from their joint study on the raw materials transition potential in the Port of Antwerp, urging the strengthening of the circular ecosystem.

The Port of Antwerp-Bruges and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO) examined the potential of the Antwerp chemical cluster to incorporate recyclates to replace fossil raw materials. They analyzed how the use of recycled and renewable raw materials could be increased, aiming to anchor the Antwerp industrial cluster in a sustainable, resilient, and future-proof manner as a vital part of European industry.

Commissioned by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, VITO studied the concrete possibilities to replace fossil raw materials that form the feedstock for the Antwerp chemical cluster as much as possible with either bio-based or recycled sources of carbon. To better understand this potential, VITO scrutinized the existing industrial system for the production and recycling of plastics in Belgium, as well as in neighboring countries.

From mechanical to chemical recycling

The analysis shows that currently, plastic recycling in Belgium is almost exclusively done through mechanical recycling. Although Belgium is the European champion in plastic recycling according to a recent study by Plastics Europe, with a recycling rate of 39%, a significant portion of plastic waste is still incinerated. However, mechanical recycling can only process a limited portion of plastic waste into recycled products. For these limitations of mechanical recycling, the chemical industry provides solutions, both for processing them into new raw materials and for using these raw materials as feedstock for their production processes.

The Antwerp Model

In its study, VITO proposes the Antwerp Model, which aims for defossilization by replacing fossil carbon sources with renewable sources. As home to the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe and the main hub for the production, treatment, and distribution of plastic pellets - Antwerp produces 4 million tons of polymers annually - the port is the ideal location to develop a circular hub and take a leading role.

The Antwerp Model
The Antwerp Model

Development of the circular hub

The first steps to develop this circular hub and bring the entire chain together were taken on September 18 during an interactive workshop at the Antwerp Port House. VITO presented the study results, including the Antwerp Model. This was followed by a panel discussion with sector associations essenscia PolyMatters and Cefic, delving into challenges related to policy on one hand and strengths such as the presence of the chemical cluster on the other. All parties emphasized the call for companies to collaborate in forming a cohesive circular cluster. ​

All partners also strongly believe that despite the challenges, chemical recycling in Belgium holds promise due to significant polymer production, high expertise in waste management, and excellent connections with other clusters and the rest of the world, with the Antwerp port as the ideal circular hub.

"The Port of Antwerp-Bruges plays a crucial role in the transition to a more sustainable economy," said Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. "By collaborating with VITO and other partners, we can strengthen our port as a center for innovation and sustainability, which is beneficial not only for the environment but also for the economy and employment in our region."
"For the future of the Antwerp chemical cluster, collaboration between industry, government, and research organizations is essential to accelerate the transition to a circular economy and defossilization," says Inge Neven, CEO of VITO. "VITO aims to further support the chemical sector with targeted technological innovations and by providing test facilities and pilot installations. However, today, the demand for chemically recycled raw materials still lags behind due to higher costs compared to primary raw materials. To address this and ensure competitive scale, regulation and supportive measures are indispensable."

Attachment: The Antwerp Model

The Antwerp Model.pdf

PDF - 564 Kb

More information about the study:

VITO

Désirée de Poot
desiree.depoot@vito.be


Port of Antwerp-Bruges
Jessica Gerritsen
jessica.gerritsen@portofantwerpbruges.com

 

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About Port of Antwerp-Bruges

With an overall throughput of 271 million tonnes per year, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is a critical hub in worldwide trade and industry. The port is a crucial link for the handling of containers, breakbulk and for the throughput of vehicles. Port of Antwerp-Bruges is home to 1,400 companies and accommodates the largest integrated chemical cluster in Europe. The port provides, directly and indirectly, a total of around 164,000 jobs and generates an added value of 21 billion euros.
 
The ambition for Port of Antwerp-Bruges is clear - to become the world's first port that reconciles economy, people and climate. As well as growing in a sustainable way, the Port also aims to focus on its unique position as a logistics, maritime and industrial centre and to take the lead in the transition to a circular and low-carbon economy. Together with the port community, customers and other partners, Port of Antwerp-Bruges is actively seeking innovative solutions for a sustainable future. High on the agenda is its responsibility for the environment and the surrounding society. 

The port sites of Antwerp and Zeebrugge are operated by the Antwerp-Bruges Port Authority, a limited liability company of public law with the City of Antwerp and the City of Bruges as its shareholders. The port employs 1,800 people. Vice-Mayor of Antwerp Annick De Ridder is President of the Board of Directors, the Mayor of Bruges Dirk De fauw is the Vice-President. Jacques Vandermeiren is CEO and President of the Executive Committee, which is responsible for the port’s day-to-day management. 

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