Reliance Industries Becomes First in India to Use Chemical Recycling for Circular Polymers

The new innovation is a testimony to the company’s commitment in reducing plastic waste and supporting Circular Economy in India

Jamnagar, 29 December 2023: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), operator of the world’s largest integrated refining and petrochemical complex, has become the first Indian company to chemically recycle plastic waste-based pyrolysis oil into International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)-Plus certified Circular Polymers. This new innovation is a testimony to RIL’s commitment in reducing plastic waste and supporting Circular Economy in India.

RIL shipped its first batch of ISCC-Plus certified Circular Polymers, named CircuRepol™ (Polypropylene) and CircuRelene™ (Polyethylene).

RIL paves the way in India by using new technology to recycle plastic by converting plastic waste into special Circular Polymers, thereby making a positive impact on the environment. RIL’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through its innovative methods like chemical recycling which help create a Circular Economy. The company firmly believes in finding smart solutions to reduce plastic waste and inspire others to join in this journey towards a greener future.

CircuRepol™ and CircuRelene™ have been designed to lead the way in Circular Economy practices. RIL’s Jamnagar refinery became the first refinery to get the important ISCC-Plus certification, proving that it can produce Circular Polymers through chemical recycling. The ISCC-Plus certification guarantees that traceability and rules are followed in making Circular Polymers.

RIL has developed a technology that turns different types of plastic waste, including singleuse and multi-layered plastics, into pyrolysis oil. The company is working with trusted partners to increase the production of this oil and turn the yield into Circular Polymers. Chemical recycling has many benefits, including turning plastic waste into high-quality materials for new plastic. These materials can be used for packaging that comes into contact with food.

About Reliance Industries Limited

Reliance is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated revenue of INR 9,74,864 crore (US$118.6 billion), cash profit INR 1,25,951 crore (US$ 15.3 billion) and net profit of INR 73,670 crore (US$9.0 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2023. Reliance’s activities span hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, advanced materials and composites, renewables (solar and hydrogen), retail and digital services.

Currently ranked 88th, Reliance is the largest private sector company from India to be featured in Fortune’s Global 500 list of ‘World’s Largest Companies’ for 2023. The company stands 45th in the Forbes Global 2000 rankings of ‘World’s Largest Public Companies’ for 2023, the highest among Indian companies. Reliance is the top-ranked Indian company and the only one in the top 100 on Forbes’ ‘World’s Best Employers’ 2023 list. Additionally, it is featured among LinkedIn’s ‘Top Companies 2023: The 25 Best Workplaces To Grow Your Career In India.’