Irish Innovator Transforms Plastic Waste into Bio-Oil, Partnering with Shell for Sustainable Solutions

Highlights:

• Trifol Resources converts plastic waste into bio-oil and wax, now supplying Shell with sustainable products.
• Their patented process aids the circular economy by transforming waste into fuel and chemical feedstock.
• The company plans to build 14 more plants within two years, exploring new markets across Europe and beyond.
• Aligns with the EU's goal to reduce waste by 60% by 2030.

Irish company Trifol Resources, headquartered in Tipperary, has secured a pivotal deal to supply Shell with bio-oil derived from plastic waste. Known as pyrolysis oil, this product can be used in a wide range of applications, from chemical feedstock to fuel and diesel.

Utilizing their patented process, Trifol converts plastic waste into two primary byproducts: 50% wax and 50% oil. Both products offer versatility, being employed across industries that produce fuel, chemicals, and even cosmetics.

According to the company, Ireland generates an estimated 58kg of plastic waste per person each year. To combat this, Trifol’s plant, located at the former Bord na Móna briquette factory in Lanespark, Tipperary, began full-scale production in June. Their ambition doesn’t stop there—over the next two years, they plan to build 14 additional plants.

Trifol is also eyeing expansion into eight other European markets, with strong interest coming from Germany and the UAE. By 2030, the company aims to have two facilities producing 190,000 tonnes of product annually—one in Ireland and another potentially in the UK or Germany.

The EU's Waste Framework Directive, which seeks to reduce waste by 60% by 2030, dovetails with Trifol’s mission. The project has garnered support from both the European Commission and Ireland’s climate action initiatives.

Pat Alley, Chairman of Trifol Resources, remarked, “This is our first major European project, demonstrating how waste plastics can be turned into valuable sustainable fuel and chemical feedstock.”

Trifol’s collaboration with Shell Chemicals Europe is expected to drive innovation in recycling and reduce landfill waste. CEO Dr. Ruben Rodriguez noted that their technology not only tackles plastic waste but also supports the circular economy by repurposing materials that would otherwise harm the environment.