Endolys Plans £120m Recycling Plant Creating 120 Jobs in Darlington

Endolys Ltd is investing up to £120 million to establish the UK's first large-scale plastic film recycling plant at the former Cleveland Bridge site in Darlington, a 29-acre industrial area unused since 2021. The project, expected to create around 120 jobs, will deploy pyrolysis technology to convert 60,000 tonnes of shredded plastic film waste into 40,000 tonnes of oil per year in its first phase, with plans for an equally sized second phase. This chemical recycling process will divert challenging plastic films, including single-use items like cups, straws, and bags, from landfill and incineration back into useful products, supporting the circular economy. The site offers strategic advantages such as strong transport links and existing grid and natural gas connections, along with local engineering expertise crucial for operations. Politicians and company leaders have praised the project for positioning the region at the forefront of innovation in recycling and clean growth. Operations are anticipated to begin by the end of 2026, pending planning and environmental approvals.