Key Impact Points:

• Pioneering Fossil-Free Production: Vioneo to produce polypropylene and polyethylene using green methanol, drastically cutting GHG emissions.
• Strategic Industry Shift: Targets the defossilization of the €5 trillion global chemicals sector, setting a sustainability benchmark.
• Major Stakeholder Engagement: Requires collaborative support from industry, regulators, and customers to ensure the success of its innovative production method.

A.P. Moller Holding has unveiled its ambitious new venture, Vioneo, dedicating €1.5 billion towards developing a fossil-free plastics production platform. This initiative represents a significant stride towards achieving 2050 net zero targets by transforming the conventional plastics industry, which is heavily reliant on fossil feedstocks and plagued by insufficient recycling methods.

Jan Secher, newly appointed Chair of Vioneo’s Board of Directors, emphasized the transformative potential of the venture: “Vioneo represents a strategic shift in plastics production. By adopting advanced proven technologies and green methanol, we are addressing fundamental environmental challenges associated with conventional plastics, while simultaneously offering a significant opportunity for Europe to lead the defossilisation of the global chemicals and materials sector.”

The production facility, set to be located in Antwerp, Belgium—Europe’s largest integrated chemical cluster—will leverage the region’s robust chemical industry infrastructure and renewable energy resources. This will ensure the production of 100% fossil-free, ISCC plus certified polypropylene and polyethylene, crucial for various applications including medical, automotive, and packaging sectors.

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Jan T. Nielsen, Chief Investment Officer of A.P. Moller Holding, outlined the broader vision and challenges ahead: “A.P. Moller Holding is committed to driving the transition to low-carbon and fossil-free sources by advancing green methanol production and its applications across various sectors. The launch of Vioneo marks a significant step in this commitment. Success also depends on other key stakeholders being willing to lean in together with us.”

The successful execution of Vioneo’s operations hinges on securing comprehensive stakeholder support, including favorable regulatory conditions and long-term offtake agreements. The company is in advanced discussions with several major global brands to ensure robust market uptake once commercial operations begin, projected for 2028.