Shell Polymers has entered into an agreement with Freepoint Eco-Systems to secure a steady supply of pyrolysis oil derived from waste plastics at Freepoint’s recycling facility in Hebron, OH, for its plant in Monaca, PA. When it is fully operational later this year, the Freepoint facility is projected to supply up to 130 million pounds of recycled plastic feedstock annually.
Founded in 2020, Freepoint applies advanced recycling methods to convert a range of plastic waste into feedstock.
Shell Polymers said the strategic partnership with Freepoint reinforces its commitment to advancing circularity in plastics by offering ISCC Plus–certified recycled content that empowers brand owners and converters to meet sustainability goals while reducing reliance on virgin fossil resources.
"This supplier agreement further strengthens our ability to provide advanced recycling and mass-balanced products backed by ISCC Plus certification," said Shell Polymers’ Laura Chamorro. “We are committed to helping our customers access certified, flexible solutions that support their sustainability goals."
Shell Polymers’ massive petrochemical refinery in Monaca, PA, near Pittsburgh, has been fully operational since November 2022. The plant, which cost $14 billion to build, has capacity to produce approximately 1.6 million metric tons of polyethylene.
The location of the ethane cracker is important, since Pennsylvania is located in proximity to more than 70% of the North American polyethylene market, said Shell. Because it is close to both supply and markets, economic and environmental transportation costs are reduced and regional plastics manufacturers benefit from enhanced flexibility, shorter supply chains, and greater supply dependability, said Shell.
The petrochemicals giant is said to be exploring a potential sale of its chemicals assets in the United States and Europe, including the Monaca petrochemical complex, the Wall Street Journal reported on March 3, 2025. No final decisions have been made, the unnamed sources told the WSJ.
