The Saint-Avold commercial manufacturing facility, which has a planned annual capacity 70,000 metric tonnes, will manufacture 100% recycled and infinitely recyclable virgin-quality Loop(TM) PET resin out of low value PET plastic and polyester fiber waste, and could save over 255,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, when compared to virgin PET resin made from fossil fuels[1]. The facility is anticipated to begin construction in 2025, with plant commissioning to follow in 2027.
The decision to establish a commercial manufacturing facility in France was driven by several key factors including its rich collaborative landscape, with major brands such as Danone, L'Occitane en Provence, and L'Oreal championing sustainability and local recycling efforts. This ecosystem provides a strong foundation for Loop to work hand-in-hand with industry leaders committed to sustainable practices. Additionally, France's unwavering commitment to environmental protection and recycling make it an ideal location to deploy Loop's technology. Loop's innovative technology can play a pivotal role in achieving the sustainability goals of brands and aligns perfectly with the nation's vision for a circular economy.
"The Grand Est region is particularly proud to support the establishment of Loop Industries on its territory, in association with SUEZ and SK Geo Centric. By visiting Loop's production facility in Terrebonne, our delegation was able to demonstrate its keen interest in the innovative technology, and to exchange views with Daniel Solomita and his teams. Our discussions enabled us to set the next milestones and ensure that this first industrial unit will be set up in Europe at a steady pace. This considerable investment, which will create new jobs, represents a further decisive step in the environmental transition of the Saint-Avold Carling chemical platform in eastern France. The challenge is simple: the environment creates jobs and reindustrializes our regions, and we want to become the benchmark region for the circular economy, thanks to major players such as Loop, Suez and SK Geo Centric," emphasizes Franck Leroy, President of the Grand Est region.
"We are honored to welcome President Leroy to our facilities and to showcase Loop's innovative technology firsthand." said Loop Founder and CEO Daniel Solomita. "We are delighted to expand our operations in France and to support the sustainability goals of European-based global brands by providing our virgin-quality, 100% recycled Loop(TM) PET resin. With the support of our strategic partners and the Grand Est region, we are confident in our ability to accelerate the commercialization of Loop's technology and drive transformative change."
The visit of Mr. Franck Leroy highlights the significance of this project for the Grand Est region and for the global circular plastics economy. Loop Industries is excited to forge ahead with the construction of the commercial manufacturing facility in Saint-Avold, ushering in a new era of sustainable PET production throughout Europe. The company remains dedicated to its mission of ending the cycle of PET plastic and polyester fiber waste and accelerating a circular, sustainable economy.
[1] Based on latest LCA from March 2022, data is compared to Virgin PET made from dimethyl terephthalate (DMT).
