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★Mark us as a preferred sourceTotalEnergies has officially announced that it is now the 100% owner of the Grandpuits advanced plastics recycling plant. According to the press release published in Paris on September 11, 2026, this move is a significant milestone in pioneering the French recycling value chain and advancing the circular economy.
Acquisition of the Grandpuits advanced plastics recycling plant
As part of the recent restructuring of Plastic Energy’s shareholding, TotalEnergies agreed to acquire the remaining 35% interest from Plastic Energy’s new shareholder. Prior to this agreement, TotalEnergies already held a 65% interest in the project. With this transaction completed, the Grandpuits advanced plastics recycling plant is now wholly owned and operated by the integrated energy company.
Operational Capacity and Pioneering Technology
Located in the Seine-et-Marne region, the facility successfully started production in March 2026. The plant has been designed with an annual capacity to process up to 15,000 tons of plastic waste, marking a critical step forward for innovative plastic recycling infrastructure.
The core mission of the facility is to transform hard-to-recycle plastic waste collected from French households—specifically materials from yellow recycling bins that cannot be mechanically recycled and are typically destined for landfill or incineration. To achieve this, the plant utilizes a pyrolysis process. This advanced method involves heating the sorted plastic waste to exceptionally high temperatures within an oxygen-free environment.
Virgin-Quality Output and Supply Security
The pyrolysis process converts the waste into a valuable synthetic oil. This oil serves as a circular petrochemical feedstock, acting as a direct substitute for traditional fossil feedstocks. The high-quality synthetic oil contributes to the production of recycled plastics that possess the exact same quality and properties as virgin plastics. Consequently, these materials are fully compatible with the strictest industry and health requirements, making them suitable for sensitive applications such as food contact packaging and medical devices.
To secure the long-term supply of plastic waste for the facility, TotalEnergies proactively signed a strategic agreement back in 2023 with two major French partners: Citeo and Paprec.
Corporate Background and Sustainability Strategy
TotalEnergies operates as a global integrated energy company that produces and markets diverse energies: oil, biofuels, natural gas, biogas, low-carbon hydrogen, renewables, and electricity. Present in approximately 120 countries, the company’s more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to providing energy that is more reliable, affordable, and sustainable. Sustainability remains at the very heart of TotalEnergies’ strategy, operations, and future projects. As outlined in their official cautionary notes, all forward-looking corporate and financial statements rely on economic data filed with the French securities regulator (AMF).
FAQ
When did the facility start its production?
The facility, located in Seine-et-Marne, officially started its recycling production in March 2026.
What is the processing capacity of the plant?
The facility has the capacity to process 15,000 tons of hard-to-recycle plastic waste on an annual basis.
What specific recycling method is utilized?
The plant uses a pyrolysis process, which involves heating waste to high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment to create a synthetic oil.
Can the recycled plastic be used for food packaging?
Yes. The resulting recycled plastics are of the exact same quality as virgin plastics, making them safe and fully compatible with food contact and medical applications.
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