PureCycle to build polypropylene recycling plant in Georgia

PureCycle Technologies, Inc. has reached an agreement to develop its first U.S. cluster plant to create ultra-pure recycled polypropylene (rPP) from waste polypropylene(PP) with the Augusta Economic Development Authority.

With an initial $440 million investment to primarily fund three lines of 130mm pounds of capacity during Phase 1 of the project, the 200-acre property in Augusta Corporate Park will produce over 80 manufacturing jobs. Augusta-Richmond County was chosen because of its efficiency in the feed and product delivery supply chains, community support, a skilled labor market, and Georgia’s business-friendly environment.

PureCycle recycles waste PP into ultra-pure recycled PP for consumer products, automotive, building and construction, and industrial applications using licensed patented technology. The business can handle a variety of waste PP with various amounts of contamination.

Commissioner Pat Wilson of the Georgia Department of Economic Development said that they’re delighted that a solutions-oriented firm like PureCycle will be joining the recycling ecosystem they’re developing in Georgia. He appreciates Governor Brian Kemp, the state Legislature, and their Augusta Economic Development Authority allies for assisting them in maintaining Georgia’s pro-business climate, which allows them to embrace initiatives like this.

With a robust process intended to generate 130mm pounds per year per processing line, and expansion capability to develop up to five processing lines inside Augusta Corporate Park, the Augusta factory will increase PureCycle’s ability to supply goods at scale.

By 2025, the firm plans to have produced one billion pounds of virgin-like rPP from PP across its entire network. The company’s flagship recycling facility in Ironton, Ohio, is well started, with more than 20 years of output already pre-sold.

Augusta Economic Development Chairman, Steven Kendrick, said that the Augusta Economic Development Authority is pleased to welcome a forward-thinking and rapidly expanding firm to the Augusta Corporate Park. They contribute to their broader objective of enhancing their park by building their facilities and bringing skilled employment with higher-than-average wages to the region. They’re excited to welcome their second corporate partner to the area.

PureCycle CEO, Mike Otworth, said that they’re thrilled to be collaborating with the Augusta Economic Development Authority to construct their next polypropylene purification facility. As businesses seek sustainable materials for their goods, demand for high-quality recycled polypropylene continues to exceed supply. Their Augusta location will be critical in their efforts to address the plastics waste crisis.