TotalEnergies has commenced operations at France’s first advanced plastics recycling plant, located at its Grandpuits site southeast of Paris. The facility has an annual processing capacity of 15,000 tons and represents a key milestone in transforming the site into a zero-crude platform.
The plant introduces a new recycling capability that addresses hard-to-recycle plastic waste, particularly materials that are typically sent to landfill or incineration. Using advanced technology provided by Plastic Energy, the process converts plastic waste into synthetic oil through pyrolysis, which involves heating materials at high temperatures in the absence of oxygen.
This synthetic oil is then used as a feedstock in petrochemical production, replacing fossil-based inputs. The result is the manufacture of recycled plastics with properties equivalent to virgin materials, making them suitable for demanding applications such as food-grade packaging and medical use.
To secure a consistent supply of feedstock, TotalEnergies signed agreements in 2023 with Citeo and Paprec, both of which play key roles in waste collection and processing in France.
Valérie Goff, Senior Vice President, Renewables, Fuels & Chemicals at TotalEnergies, stated that the launch marks an important step in developing a new plastics recycling ecosystem in France and advancing circular economy initiatives.
TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company involved in the production and marketing of a wide range of energy sources. The company operates across oil, biofuels, natural gas, biogas, renewable energy and electricity markets.
Headquartered in France, TotalEnergies employs more than 100,000 people and conducts operations in around 120 countries. The company’s strategy focuses on delivering reliable and affordable energy while expanding investments in lower-carbon solutions. Sustainability considerations are integrated into the company’s operational and investment decisions, with initiatives aimed at reducing emissions and supporting the global transition toward more sustainable energy systems.
