Vioneo, in collaboration with Honeywell, is developing a new €1.5 billion (1.53 billion) plastics production facility in Antwerp, Belgium, that will use green methanol and renewable energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative leverages Honeywell’s methanol-to-olefin (MTO) technology to replace fossil fuel-based feedstocks like coal and crude oil with biogenic carbon dioxide in the production of propylene and ethylene.
The facility will use green methanol as a fossil fuel alternative. It aims to revolutionise sustainable plastics manufacturing by minimising emissions and optimising efficiency. Honeywell’s light olefins recovery and cracking processes will also be employed to ensure high-purity outputs, reduce waste, and lower energy consumption.
The project aligns with the European Union’s climate goals by integrating renewable energy-based hydrogen and biomaterials into the production process. The development will begin with Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) in late 2024, with a Final Investment Decision (FID) expected in 2025. Commercial operations are slated to start in 2028.
This initiative combines advanced technologies and green methanol to demonstrate how industrial processes can transition toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
“Vioneo is committed to transforming the plastics industry by showcasing that large-scale, cleaner production is achievable and economically sustainable using green methanol as a replacement for fossil fuels,” said Alex Hogan, CEO of Vioneo. “This initiative represents a significant opportunity for Europe to lead the defossilisation of the €5 trillion chemicals and materials sector.”
Rajesh Gattupalli, president of Honeywell UOP said, “The Antwerp plant has the capacity to significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions while establishing Europe as a leader in low-emission industrial innovation. Honeywell’s MTO technology aligns with the industry’s focus on emission reductions and supports the European Union’s climate objectives. This technology is instrumental in shifting olefin production away from fossil-based feedstocks and contributing to a net-zero emissions future in the region.”
