Sourced from Norwegian technology partner Eagle Technology, QMRE was the first company in the world to introduce the VIXLA system at the end of 2024. VIXLA is a cutting-edge chemical recycling system designed to transform plastic waste into oil and ultimately back into plastic.
For three years QMRE had been operating a smaller version of the plastic waste-2-oil system on a test and development basis at their site in Longfield, Kent. With this experience QMRE was able to suggest crucial system developments to Eagle help them perfect the VIXLA specifically for the UK market.
In line with an last month’s announcement, this second system has been purchased by QMRE’s commercial partner A&M Renewables who will own the system but who will have QMRE operating and managing it.
VIXLA’s innovative system allows for decentralised processing of plastic waste, eliminating the need for transportation to large, centralised factories. This approach not only offers economic advantages but also significantly reduces the environmental impact of plastic waste. The product has gained immense interest globally, reflecting the urgent need for effective and sustainable plastic waste management solutions.
The containerised VIXLA system is scalable to meet varying local needs, providing a comprehensive end-to-end solution that covers pre-treatment, processing, storage, and the sale of the final product. VIXLA is built on proven pyrolysis technology and utilises QMRE’s technical developments that effectively turns the operation into a thermolysis system.
A step closer
This initial system converts 1000kgs of plastic waste into 1000 litres of pyrolytic oil. When fully operational, each VIXLA will be capable of processing up to 5 tonnes of plastic waste per day, meaning the two currently installed will have a capacity of up to 10 tonnes per day. The intention is for the Hoo site to eventually have a total of four VIXLA’s, providing a capacity of up to 20 tonnes of plastic waste being processed each day.
Both VIXLA systems are currently being connected to QMRE’s Q20 Pre-treatment system in preparation for trials and testing before entering full production.
QMRE CEO Tim StClair-Pearce commented, “The installation of this second VIXLA brings us another step closer to beginning to combat the problem of plastic waste pollution.”
In an interview that appears in the April issue of Fuel Oil News magazine, Tim StClair-Pearce explains why the fuel industry is becoming increasingly interested in a solution originally designed to deal with the plastic waste issue. To ensure you don’t miss this vital industry publication, subscribe here.
Image provided by QMRE.