Belgium Expands Plastics Recycling Capacity With New Household Waste Facility

A major step forward for Belgium’s plastics recycling efforts: In Lommel, a new facility will process plastic household waste from around 80% of Belgian households. The project represents a key investment in sustainable materials management and the circular economy.

Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Group, part of Ingka Investments' portfolio since 2017, is building its third recycling plant in Belgium and its 13th facility overall. The new site in Lommel will transform common household plastics – such as milk bottles, butter tubs and shampoo containers – into high-quality recyclates. These materials can be reused in various sectors, for example in packaging for personal care products.

Key facts at a glance:

• Location: Lommel, Belgium
• Focus: Recycling of plastic packaging from the national PMD collection system (Plastic, Metal, and Drink cartons)
• Households covered: 4 million (80% of Belgian households)
• Jobs created: 65 new positions

The plastics recycling sector faces challenges such as rising operational costs, labour shortages, and changing regulations. Nevertheless, Morssinkhof-Rymoplast and Ingka Investments are committed to advancing a circular economy through long-term investments and collaboration.

Earlier this year, Ingka Group, the largest IKEA retailer, announced a €1 billion circular economy investment strategy through Ingka Investments. The partnership with Morssinkhof-Rymoplast is a key element of this initiative.

Nathalie Van Edom, Sustainability Manager at IKEA Belgium, highlights the tangible benefits for consumers: "At Ingka Group, we already use recycled household plastics produced by Morssinkhof-Rymoplast in products like our HÅLLBAR waste sorting bins. With this new facility, Belgian customers will literally see the impact of their recycling efforts – products made from their own butter tubs returning to their homes."

Belgium has significantly increased its plastics recycling capacity. Five years ago, only 9% of household plastic packaging was recycled domestically. Today, that figure stands at 69%. Thanks to new facilities and close collaboration between citizens, industry, and government, Belgium is expected to surpass a 75% recycling rate next year.

Evy Morssinkhof, Organisation & Business Development at Morssinkhof-Rymoplast Group, states: "Despite industry challenges, our mission remains clear: to turn plastic waste into high-quality materials that can be reused again and again. This new plant is an investment in infrastructure – and a promise to Belgian households that their recycling efforts matter."