Eni’s Versalis and Acea Ambiente Partner on Mechanical and Chemical Recycling of Post‑Industrial Plastics

Eni’s Versalis and Acea Ambiente Partner on Mechanical and Chemical Recycling of Post‑Industrial Plastics

(IN BRIEF) Versalis and Acea Ambiente have signed an MoU to collaborate on recycling initiatives aimed at recovering value from post‑consumer and post‑industrial plastics. They will jointly identify waste streams at Acea Ambiente’s facilities suitable for Versalis’s mechanical and chemical recycling processes—including the Hoop® technology for mixed plastics—and explore investments in new plants as well as optimisations of existing ones. Versalis recently launched a 20,000 t/year mechanically recycled polystyrene plant in Porto Marghera and operates a Hoop® demonstration unit in Mantua, with a 40,000 t/year industrial facility slated for Priolo. Acea Ambiente brings its network of sorting platforms and recycling sites to ensure efficient, traceable supply chains. The partnership aims to produce high‑quality recycled plastics, advance Italy’s circular economy, and support the transition to low‑emissions industrial processes.

(PRESS RELEASE) MILAN, 30-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Versalis, the chemical arm of Eni, and Acea Ambiente, Acea’s subsidiary specialising in waste management and energy recovery, have formalised a Memorandum of Understanding. The MoU was signed by Versalis CEO Adriano Alfani and Acea Ambiente CEO Gabriele Di Cintio.

This partnership ushers in a coordinated effort to bolster the circular economy by jointly recycling post‑consumer and post‑industrial plastics. Both companies will collaborate to identify and evaluate suitable waste streams from Acea Ambiente’s operations for integration into Versalis’ recycling processes. Their ambition is to establish a seamless industrial supply chain that yields premium recycled plastics—backed by possible investments in new facilities and enhancements to current operations.

The agreement also includes a joint appraisal of chemical recycling technologies, notably Versalis’ Hoop® process, to convert plastics that are unsuitable for mechanical recycling into valuable resources.

Adriano Alfani commented, “Teaming up with Acea Ambiente underlines our dedication to closing the loop on plastic usage. Earlier this year, we inaugurated a plant in Porto Marghera capable of producing 20,000 tonnes annually of crystal and expandable polystyrene from mechanically recycled feedstock. Our Hoop® demonstration unit in Mantua has been up and running for a month, and an industrial‑scale facility (40,000 t/year) is planned in Priolo as part of Eni‑Versalis’s Chemical Transformation Plan. We aim to forge robust, eco‑efficient supply chains that valorise plastic waste and drive the low‑carbon transition.”

Gabriele Di Cintio added, “At Acea Ambiente, we’re committed to pioneering sustainable solutions. This agreement is a pivotal move toward an integrated model that reclaims plastic waste value, bolstering Italy’s circular economy and accelerating industrial decarbonisation. Our extensive network of sorting hubs and recycling plants offers a solid foundation for transparent, efficient supply chains. Together with Versalis’s chemical expertise, we will recover even the most challenging plastic fractions, generating high‑quality secondary raw materials and minimising environmental impact.”

Media Contacts:

Press Office
+39.0252031875 – +39.0659822030
ufficio.stampa@eni.com

Freephone for shareholders (from Italy)
800940924
segreteriasocietaria.azionisti@eni.com

Media Relations – Milan
+39 02 52031875
ufficio.stampa@eni.com

Media Relations – Roma
+39 06 59822030
ufficio.stampa@eni.com

SOURCE: Eni