His Majesty King Willem-Alexander Opens Europe’s Largest and Most Advanced Tyre Recycling Facility in the Netherlands
UK-based Circtec’s chemical recycling plant for waste tyres strengthens the Netherlands’ leadership in circular chemistry
Circtec has officially opened its advanced tyre‑to‑chemicals recycling plant in Delfzijl, marking a significant milestone for Europe’s circular economy. The facility was inaugurated last week by His Majesty King Willem‑Alexander, who formally commenced operations by feeding tyre material into Circtec’s proprietary CIFR™ pyrolysis reactor.
The opening marks the completion of Phase 1 of the site’s construction. Now operational, the plant can process 50,000 tonnes of end‑of‑life tyres every year, converting them into high‑value circular products including sustainable marine fuel (HUPA™), circular naphtha, and recovered carbon black for reuse in tyres, plastics and rubber manufacturing.
Reflecting on the milestone, Circtec CEO Allen Timpany described the plant as “a decisive step forward in how we choose to treat our resources, our waste and our shared future”, highlighting the Netherlands as a place where innovation, industrial ambition and sustainability come together.
Construction of Phase 2 is set to begin later this year, ultimately expanding capacity to 200,000 tonnes of tyre waste annually, equivalent to around 6% of Europe’s total waste‑tyre stream. Over 50% of European waste tyres are currently sent off to be burned in cement plants or exported to Asia for environmentally damaging disposal, so the plant is vital for reducing the negative impact of European tyre waste.
An ISO‑standard Life Cycle Assessment also shows the facility is expected to deliver greenhouse‑gas reductions equivalent to around 3% of the Netherlands’ chemical industry emissions when operating at full scale.
Northern NL: a strategic home for green industrial growth
Circtec’s decision to locate in Delfzijl, part of the Northern Netherlands’ established chemical cluster, reinforces the region’s growing position as a hub for sustainable industry. Home to integrated industrial infrastructure, deep‑sea port access and a skilled workforce, the cluster provides the ideal operational environment for a project of this scale.
Also present at the opening ceremony, and commenting on the impact of the plant and what it means for the Netherlands, Sophie Hermans, the Netherlands’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Climate and Green Growth said: “What we see here at Circtec is Green Growth at its best. Every year, 180,000 tonnes of used car tyres, waste that used to be incinerated, will be given a second life as a high-quality raw material. That is circular economy on an industrial scale. This factory shows that we can and want to become more sustainable in the Netherlands, and dare to build new, future-proof industry. Good for our climate, good for our economy and good for the earning capacity of the Netherlands”.
A thriving ecosystem where innovation and industry meet
The Netherlands’ collaborative, innovation‑driven ecosystem supports Circtec far beyond the plant gates. Close cooperation between government, industry and research institutions, the so-called triple helix, enables companies like Circtec to innovate faster, secure world‑class partners, and scale climate‑positive technologies.
Circtec’s commercial model is already underpinned by strategic long‑term partnerships in the region, including global offtake agreements with Birla Carbon for recovered carbon black and with bp for sustainable marine fuel, circular naphtha and Tyre Pyrolysis Oil.
Reflecting on how organizations are collaborating, Corné Boot, Head of Country bp Netherlands said: “This is a great example of companies and governments working together delivering green growth. By partnering with Circtec, bp can help scale advanced circular feedstocks and biofuels, creating real impact for industry and transport in the Netherlands and beyond.”
A globally competitive chemical sector accelerating circular solutions
The Netherlands’ world‑class chemical sector has also provided the foundation Circtec needs to scale. The country’s established regulatory framework, innovation‑driven industrial policy and deep expertise in chemical processes create an environment where advanced recycling can move rapidly from pilot to industrial scale.
As home to 19 of the world’s top 25 chemical companies and a core part of the Antwerp Rotterdam Rhein Ruhr megacluster, one of the globe’s top five chemical regions, the Netherlands offers unparalleled opportunities for companies in the chemical and materials sectors.
Hilde van der Meer, Commissioner of NFIA said: “Circtec’s investment in the Netherlands is a powerful testament to our nation’s commitment to green growth and industrial innovation. By harnessing advanced recycling technologies and building on our strong collaborative ecosystem, we are not only addressing environmental challenges but also boosting the Netherlands’ position as a global leader in the circular economy.”
Source: Circtec
6 February 2026