John Wood Group plc, the Aberdeen-based engineering and consulting giant, has been awarded a three-year contract to operate and maintain the Freepoint Eco-Systems plant in Hebron, Ohio.

The flagship facility spans 25 acres, utilising a 260,000 square foot warehouse, making it one of the largest advanced recycling facilities in the world.

“This facility will apply advanced pyrolysis recycling technology to convert approximately 90,000 tons of end-of-life plastics into a petrochemical feedstock, pyrolysis oil, through a depolymerisation process,” said Wood.

“The feedstock can then be used in applications such as food-grade and medical-grade plastic packaging.

“Wood will provide full facility operations and maintenance management, employing upwards of 100 people, supporting Freepoint Eco-Systems with operational readiness processes including the development of safety and maintenance management systems.”

Jess Stanley, Wood’s President of Operations Americas, said: “This is an exciting award that aligns to our growth strategy and sustainability goals, supporting the circular economy through end-of-life plastics recycling.

“This contract marks a new operational footprint, supporting the local economy in Ohio, while bringing our tried and trusted practices and processes to Freepoint Eco-Systems to deliver operational excellence at this world-class facility.”