TCP Circular Revives Major Recycling Plant Project at Port of Sunderland
Plans for a significant job-creating recycling facility at the Port of Sunderland have been resurrected by a company connected to the original developer. TCP Circular is now moving forward with proposals to establish a plastics recycling plant on the eastern edge of the port, a project that promises to generate more than 100 new employment opportunities.
New Agreement and Timeline for Development
An exclusivity agreement has been formally signed between Sunderland City Council and TCP Circular, marking a crucial step in reviving the initiative. The company aims to have the facility operational by 2028, breathing new life into a scheme that was previously approved in 2023 under Norwegian firm Quantafuel.
TCP Circular is co-led by Chris Lach, former deputy CEO and chief commercial officer at Quantafuel, which had secured planning permission for the 12-acre site. Quantafuel's plans were disrupted when it was acquired by UK energy-from-waste group Viridor for over £100 million in early 2024.
Advanced Pyrolysis Technology and Environmental Impact
The proposed plant is designed to process approximately 100,000 tonnes per year of low-value plastic waste, including soft food packaging and various domestic and industrial plastics. Using the high-temperature process of pyrolysis, materials will be heated in the absence of oxygen, causing them to break down into raw materials suitable for manufacturing new products, such as high-grade plastics.
This innovative approach will divert waste that would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill. The raw materials produced will be shipped from the port to customers in the petrochemical industry, while self-generated, non-condensable gas will power the site, enhancing its sustainability credentials.
Leadership and Community Engagement
Chris Lach, CEO of TCP Circular, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating: “We’re pleased to announce our intention to develop a plastics recycling plant at the Port of Sunderland and look forward to bringing our plans to life in the months ahead. Facilities such as this are greatly needed across the UK as we move towards a more circular economy and reduce CO2 emissions.”
He added: “We believe it’s an excellent site and are excited to be working with Sunderland City Council, playing a small part in their ambitious plans to transform the city into a key hub for businesses in the sustainable technologies and green industries. We look forward to updating the community as our plans develop.”
Council Support and Economic Vision
Councillor Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council and chair of the Port Board, highlighted the project's alignment with the city's green economy goals. He said: “The green economy accounts for a significant share of economic output here in Sunderland, so it is fantastic news that TCP has chosen Port of Sunderland to house this leading-edge facility.”
He continued: “The port is already home to a growing cluster of businesses operating in the circular economy and, alongside our world leading track record in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, TCP’s investment would be yet another key milestone in our journey as we embed and grow Sunderland’s reputation as a global hub for sustainable investment.”
This development underscores Sunderland's commitment to fostering sustainable industries and creating high-quality jobs, positioning the city as a pivotal player in the UK's transition to a greener, more circular economy.
