Darlington Endolys plastic film recycling plant approved

Endolys Ltd has secured planning permission for the £125 million scheme at the former Cleveland Bridge site on Yarm Road.

The company said the development would become one of the UK’s largest advanced plastic recycling facilities and could process up to 120,000 tonnes of waste plastic film each year, subject to an environmental permit being granted by the Environment Agency.

The approval covers the construction of an external plant compound, including a tank farm and thermal equipment, while the site’s existing industrial building will house 12 advanced pyrolysis units used in the recycling process.

(Image: Andy Futers)

Endolys has already secured £60 million in funding for the first phase of the project, which will see six of the 12 units installed. The company said it expects operations to begin before the end of the year.

Using a process known as pyrolysis, the facility would convert plastic film collected from materials recycling facilities into pyrolysis oil, which can then be refined and used to manufacture new plastics and chemicals.

At full capacity, the site is expected to produce around 80,000 tonnes of recycled pyrolysis oil each year for use by European refineries and petrochemical manufacturers.

Mark Leggett, chief executive of Endolys, described the planning decision as “a major milestone” for both the company and advanced recycling in the UK.

“We’re creating skilled jobs, regenerating an iconic industrial site and delivering infrastructure that will recycle plastic film that currently has few viable recycling options,” he said.

“This project demonstrates that the UK can lead the transition to a more circular plastics economy.”

The company said the development would regenerate the former industrial site while establishing a new recycling hub for the North East.

When the plans were first revealed last year, politicians praised the proposal for putting the region at the “forefront of innovation in recycling and clean growth”.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for Economy, praised the new company’s plans to revive the site.

He said: “This is a significant step forward for Darlington – economically, environmentally and socially. It marks a proud moment in the town’s journey toward a cleaner, greener future.”  

Endolys has partnered with Teesside-based Px Limited, which will help manage and operate the facility.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “This landmark investment by Endolys is fantastic news for Darlington and will breathe new life into the iconic former Cleveland Bridge site.

“As well as creating scores of well-paid, good-quality, skilled jobs, it will also put our region at the forefront of innovation in recycling and clean growth.