TCR Plastics broadens its position through pioneering investment in circular plastic

TCR Plastics has been known in the plastics industry as a polymer distributor since 1981. It is now moving beyond its long-established role through a substantial investment in Blue Plastics B.V. Blue Plastics B.V. is a company that developed a cost-effective, pioneering method to recycle used plastics with minimal water consumption and CO2 emissions. Their plastics cleaning method is now successfully running at laboratory-scale at CHILL (Chemelot Innovation and Learning Labs) in Geleen, the Netherlands. Thanks to TCR, a pilot plant is being realized, making it a ground-breaking investment.

TCR Plastics will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Blue Plastics B.V. cleaning method, using both its capital and market-expertise to enable large-scale testing of the recycled product with its customers. As explained by TCR: “There typically exists a lot of interest in these types of recycling technology initiatives. But here, we have taken the lead by actually investing in this initiative, while carefully balancing the potential risks. This plastics cleaning method could make a significant contribution to move us towards a more sustainable society. Additionally, once proven, the cleaning method also has potential for countries with limited water supplies due to its low water consumption. We can help our industry to bring about an unprecedented revolution.”

Actively searching

It was no coincidence that TCR Plastics and Blue Plastics B.V. met. The distributor was actively searching for solutions in the world of circular plastic. According to TCR Plastics: “The well-known discussion about plastics is alive, not only in society, but also within our company. What world will we leave behind for future generations? What role will TCR play in tomorrow's society with plastics? In addition to the Paris Climate Agreement and European directives, we are intrinsically motivated to play a role within the industry when it comes to sustainability. As a distributor, we could have remained passive, waiting to see what would happen in our market. But we didn't want to do that. We feel a shared responsibility and want to actively participate in the necessary market developments. That is why we actively search for ways how we can best achieve that."

Business perspective

Tatiana Novoseltseva, co-founder of Blue Plastics B.V., shares her view on this partnership: "Blue Plastics B.V.’s mission is to make radical innovations in the current recycling industry, making plastics a more sustainable and circular raw material. It is important that all players in the plastics value chain understand the extent of their impact. We are delighted to see that TCR – an important player in the industry – is playing an active role in making plastics more sustainable and therefore contributing to the reduction of plastic’s impact on the environment.”

According to TCR Plastics, Novoseltseva raises an important point. "It's more than just doing good for the world. Circular plastic is serious business. External pressure is making people and organizations increasingly critical and you are only considered investment worthy if you are sustainable. However, the perception of what is sustainable leaves a lot to be desired. Plastic quickly evokes the wrong image. While our participation in Blue Plastics B.V. does fall under the heading ‘sustainability’, it is also a genuine ambition.

Regarding our business objectives, we assume that in five years at least 30% of our turnover will be realized with recycled plastic. In the longer term, this might even exceed 50%. These kinds of investments in sustainability are one of the pillars with which we intend to take our company into the future. The fact that we are adjusting our own role – we are working on this in parallel to our existing business – means simply that we can then make the necessary shift. This is the only way we can support the future of our children and of TCR Plastics. What we do advances society, and also offers a business perspective."

An optimistic beginning

TCR Plastics’ participation was a condition for the Noord-Holland Innovation Fund (INH) to also join Blue Plastics B.V. And there are many more projects for which TCR Plastics can and wants to fulfil a bridging function. "As a company, we should adapt to the wishes of a changing society. But you can’t do that in one step. Our participation in Blue Plastics B.V. therefore cannot be the only such project. There are many more initiatives that deserve capital and practical support, including projects we may not be familiar with yet. We would like to hear about them. And we hope to inspire others in our industry to look into this as well. Based on your business and with a keen entrepreneurial spirit, you can successfully contribute to a more sustainable society."

Contact person TCR Plastics:

Stephan Damer (Business Manager)

● [email protected]

● Overakkerstraat 90-92 (Villa Vrederust), 4834 XN Breda, Nederland

About TCR Plastics:

TCR Plastics is a distributor of raw materials for plastics. Founded in 1981, TCR Plastics is an important link between the European plastics processing industry and worldwide polymer producing industry.