Repsol & Saica sign an agreement to improve ldpe film circularity

• With this new agreement both companies aim to develop the recovery of post-consumer film waste


• Repsol and Saica boost their commitment to a circular economy model with this new project

Repsol and Saica Natur have signed a new collaboration agreement in order to maximize the use of low density polyethylene film (LDPE) waste and take a new step in the transition towards a circular economy.

With this project, Repsol and Saica Natur intend to combine their knowledge and skills to achieve new polyolefins that incorporate post-consumer recycled material. With a special goal to ensure quality consistency for more demanding applications, from the technical point of viewwhere recycling has hardly penetrated yet. This way, Saica Natur contributes not only with its expertise as a waste manager but also as a low density polyethylene (LDPE) recycled pellets producer. Repsol, the market leader in polyolefins in Spain and Portugal, provides the capabilities of its Technology Center, as well as its experience in the development of new products for its value chain. This agreement falls under Reciclex project, one of Repsol’s strategic pillars to promote the circular economy of its materials.

"In an environment increasingly oriented to the circularity of resources, film waste recovery is a challenge and a business opportunity alike", says Roberto Gómez, Circular Economy Manager at Repsol’s Chemicals Division. "The objective of this agreement is to offer new materials that meet the demanding requirements of the Film Market, combining the know-how of both companies in waste management, plastic recycling and development of new polyolefin applications”.

"Innovation and sustainable growth are the essential pillars of this agreement," said Luis Pellejer, Director of Natur Cycle Plus. "With this agreement, we are showing our commitment towards responsible production and consumption. This implies a social and material transformation towards an economy that uses resources efficiently; maximizing its value through circular models, and that conceives waste as a recoverable raw material. The ultimate goal is to achieve long-term sustainability. "

This agreement is framed under the “Pact for a Circular Economy” signed by Repsol and Saica in October 2017, along with the main economic and social Spanish agents, promoting the transition towards this new economic model. Repsol is also part of other initiatives in which it is firmly committed to this objective, such as the PlasticsEurope "Plastics 2030" voluntary commitment.

About Repsol

Repsol is a global company, present along the entire energy value chain, including hydrocarbon exploration and production, refining, transport, chemicals, service stations and the development of new energy solutions. It is active in 37 countries and employs more than 25,000 people, and its products are sold all over the world. The company is well-positioned for the energy transition with its focus on developing production of gas, low-carbon businesses and a multi-energy offering for consumers. In terms of technology—one of the pillars of the company—its cutting-edge projects in various fields have made it a point of reference for innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in the energy industry Repsol manufactures and markets a wide variety of chemical products, ranging from basic petrochemicals to derivatives. In addition, the company has three large petrochemical facilities in Europe where high added-value differentiated products are developed. The products from Repsol’s Chemicals Division are used to manufacture everyday objects that improve people’s quality of life, their well-being and their safety.

About Saica Group

Saica Group is one of the largest European players in the development and production of recycled paper for corrugated board, with a production of 3.2 million tons of recycled paper. With more than 10,000 employees across Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, United Kingdom, Ireland, Turkey, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.

Saica Group has four business areas: production of recycled paper for corrugated board (Saica Paper), waste management and environmental services (Saica Natur), production of corrugated packaging (Saica Pack) and flexible packaging (Saica Flex). The turnover of the multinational is nearly 3.832 million Euros (aggregate sales, 31.12.19).

Nature Cycle Plus, a division from Saica Natur, is specialised in the recovery, classification and treatment of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to produce valuable recyclates. Saica Natur and Natur Cycle Plus in their commitment towards the circular economy help businesses to reduce their environmental impact throughout their production process. Saica Natur, with presence in Spain, France, United Kingdom and Portugal; analyses the supply chain of its clients and proposes alternatives to maximise the use of resources so they can become secondary raw materials.