Shell Polymers has formed a partnership with Freepoint Eco-Systems to ensure a consistent supply of pyrolysis oil sourced from waste plastics at Freepoint’s recycling facility in Hebron, OH, for its plant in Monaca, PA. Once fully operational later this year, the Freepoint facility is expected to provide up to 130 million pounds of recycled plastic feedstock annually.

Source: PlasticsToday

Founded in 2020, Freepoint utilizes advanced recycling technologies to transform various types of plastic waste into feedstock.

Shell Polymers stated that this strategic collaboration with Freepoint strengthens its dedication to promoting circularity in plastics. By providing ISCC Plus–certified recycled content, the partnership allows brand owners and converters to achieve their sustainability objectives while decreasing dependence on virgin fossil resources.

Shell Polymers’ large petrochemical refinery in Monaca, PA, near Pittsburgh, has been fully operational since November 2022. The plant was built at a cost of $14 billion and has the capacity to produce approximately 1.6 million metric tons of polyethylene.

This supplier agreement further strengthens our ability to provide advanced recycling and mass-balanced products backed by ISCC Plus certification. We are committed to helping our customers access certified, flexible solutions that support their sustainability goals.

^{Shell Polymers’ Laura Chamorro}

The location of the ethane cracker is significant, as Pennsylvania is situated close to over 70% of the North American polyethylene market. Shell emphasizes that this proximity to both supply and markets reduces economic and environmental transportation costs. As a result, regional plastics manufacturers benefit from improved flexibility, shorter supply chains, and enhanced supply reliability.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal on March 3, 2025, Shell is reportedly considering a potential sale of its chemical assets in the United States and Europe, which includes the Monaca petrochemical complex. However, no final decisions have been made, according to unnamed sources cited by the WSJ.