Project Rio
COPP
Key figures
- Start: March 21, 2025
- Partner: COPPE, Fluxo
- Project type: Plastic-to-oil plant that converts up to one ton of plastic waste into pyrolysis oil (PPO), including a shredder for the size reduction of the input material and a flare for the thermal oxidation of non-condensable gases.
The enespa Group is selling a Kubus plant to COPPE, the renowned engineering institute of the University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), thereby strengthening scientific research in the field of chemical recycling. The plant will enable researchers to engage intensively with the technology.
Update 19. November 2025
Inauguration and commissioning
The time has come: Our enespa pilot plant is at the heart of Brazil's new circular economy initiative.!
On November 18th, the new Department of Circular Economy was opened at COPPE/UFRJ in Rio de Janeiro – and our Cube pilot plant was the centerpiece. The pyrolysis plant was officially handed over for research and demonstration operations. This marks an important milestone for enespa and simultaneously the starting signal for chemical recycling in South America's largest economy.
Among the approximately 150 guests were representatives of the project sponsors as well as important stakeholders such as Petrobras, Braskem and several NGOs. enespa was represented on site by Ben Richters (CTO) and João Esteves (CEO ENESPA USA).
From left: Ben Richters, Joao Esteves, Maíra Taynara MSc, Ph.D and José Carlos (COPPE), wagner montanari, Daniel Barros, Fábio André and Danielle Barbosa (FLUXO)
Research that shows results
Our cube plant processes up to 1 ton of plastic waste per day – compact, modular and ideal for research and later scaling. And these are the next steps:
- Commissioning by the end of the year
- Pyrolysis tests in Q1/Q2 2026
- Oil tests in Petrobras refineries and Braskem steam crackers
This creates a central location where the integration of pyrolysis oil into existing industrial processes can be realistically tested and further developed.
Together we will open up a new market
The plant will be built together with our partners. Flow and operated by the COPPE research teams. It also serves as Showcase, to demonstrate the potential of chemical recycling live to industrial companies and decision-makers.
Our discussions with Petrobras and Braskem have shown us that Brazil is actively seeking scalable solutions to its plastic waste problem – and enespa is ready to deliver this technology.
A milestone for Brazil and for enespa
For Brazil, the plant represents an important step towards a modern circular economy. For enespa, it means:
- an early market entry,
- the establishment of strategic industrial partnerships,
- and the opportunity to further drive our global growth.
Together with our partners, we want to establish chemical recycling as an integral part of the circular economy – in Brazil and worldwide.
April 2025
A journey with potential
The facility will arrive in Rio in a few weeks. This marks the beginning of a new phase of research for the scientists there. Their goal is to discover how plastic waste can be efficiently converted into valuable raw materials. This first project in the field of chemical recycling is an important step in the development of sustainable technologies for Brazil. Thanks to its compact design, the cube facility is ideal for research purposes and could also be of interest to other institutes and their researchers.
Location
Research as the key to the circular economy
Accompanying the plant on its journey are a shredder for crushing the input material and a flare for the thermal oxidation of non-condensable gases. The plastic-to-oil plant can convert up to one ton of plastic waste into valuable pyrolysis oil (PPO) daily.
For enespa, the project is an important step. "Research is essential to exploit the full potential of chemical recycling," says the project leader. "With this plant, we are laying the foundation for new insights that will contribute to the further development of the circular economy."
enespa already operates an identical test facility at its German site in Tangstedt, Schleswig-Holstein. This facility is used to continuously refine and further develop enespa's unique pyrolysis technology.
The journey should continue
The plant's journey ends in Rio. Enespa's does not. The company sees potential for further projects and hopes that the research facility in Rio can serve as a showcase facility to convince other companies and institutions of the pyrolysis process. The local distributor Fluxo is helping us make the research facility accessible to interested partners. Furthermore, the project is being financed by the research center of a renowned Brazilian company, which underscores the importance of the topic for the Rio region.
What began for us in the production halls in Tangstedt will in future help unlock the potential of chemical recycling worldwide. In doing so, we aim to contribute to tackling the global plastics problem. Especially in Latin America, where plastic waste represents a major challenge, research into new recycling technologies can offer crucial solutions.
Opportunity for Brazil's plastic waste problem
enespa aims to establish chemical recycling as an essential component of the circular economy and raise awareness of sustainable solutions. A research facility at a renowned university is ideal for this. Innovations are being developed here that pave the way for a resource-efficient future. At the same time, the facility gives young researchers the opportunity to further develop chemical recycling and develop innovative solutions for a sustainable circular economy. This will enable Brazil to tackle its plastic waste problem in the long term – for the benefit of future generations.
Partners
The Alberto Luiz Coimbra Institute for Advanced Studies and Research in Engineering, known as COPPE, is a leading higher education institution for engineering in Latin America. An integral part of the University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), COPPE offers a wide range of master's and doctoral programs in various engineering disciplines.
With a strong focus on research and innovation, COPPE works closely with industry, government, and other academic institutions to develop technological solutions to societal challenges. The institution is known for its contributions in areas such as energy, environment, technology, and sustainable development.
Fluxo is enespa's representative and distributor in Brazil. The company supports the local rollout of the technology and allows potential customers to tour the facility and conduct laboratory tests.
Better with every project
In production
We often work behind the scenes. Some projects take years to become visible. Here we show what we're doing to advance the circular economy of plastics. Click on the hotspots to go directly to a project.
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- Pipe Installation.
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- For the cause
