Increasing the circularity of production processes and products

Circular economy is a system solution framework that entails decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.

It is based on three principles driven by eco-design: (1) eliminate waste and pollution, (2) circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and (3) increase efficiency.

Ipieca members work to increase the circularity of their production processes and products, producing the energy the world needs, while reducing impacts on natural resources and biodiversity, and cutting emissions.

As well as providing climate, environmental and social benefits, circular economy helps build long-term resilience and generates business and economic opportunities.

Member progress

66% of members

Have circular economy initiatives*

Examples of member action

Grandpuits: TotalEnergies’ zero-crude platform for a sustainable future
France
TotalEnergies is converting its Grandpuits refinery in France into a zero-crude platform, operational by mid-2025, with an investment exceeding EUR 500 million. The project focuses on biofuel production, plastic recycling, renewable hydrogen, and electricity storage, reinforcing the company’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
A key component is the biorefinery, designed to produce 285,000 metric tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually by 2027, alongside renewable diesel and naphtha. More than 75% of its feedstock will come from waste and residues, secured through a partnership with SARIA. The Grandpuits-Gargenville site will also store and route SAF to Parisian airports, supporting France’s aviation decarbonization goals.
TotalEnergies has partnered with Air Liquide to develop a renewable hydrogen unit using biogas from the refinery. With a capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes per year, it will capture 110,000 tonnes of CO2 annually for industrial use. Additionally, an 80 GWh biomethane unit will prevent 20,000 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly.
The platform will house France’s first advanced plastic recycling plant, in collaboration with Plastic Energy, processing 15,000 metric tonnes of plastic waste annually through pyrolysis. A mechanical recycling unit, operational by 2026, will produce 30,000 tonnes of recycled plastic compounds.
Grandpuits will also host two solar plants (52 MWp total) and a 43 MW battery storage system, reinforcing France’s renewable energy mix and grid stability.
Learn more
Arthit Asset’s wellhead platform topside relocation
Global
PTTEP has established the ‘Circular Model for E&P’ strategy, and its long-term goals to align with the waste management hierarchy.
One of PTTEP’s key initiatives under the Circular Model for E&P strategy was the relocation of Arthit Asset’s wellhead platform topside, which was not in use but still functioning, to a new field for reuse. This was the first PTTEP topside reuse project.
In order to select the suitable wellhead platform topside, PTTEP conducted a front-end engineering design (FEED) along with a structure and safety inspection to determine the integrity of existing structure and equipment for reuse. The plug and abandonment process was then conducted, followed by the flowline and tubing demolition. After cutting the platform legs, the wellhead platform topside was relocated to a new location, 86 kilometres away. As for the leave-in-place platform legs, PTTEP installed a navigation aid platform as a warning system for approaching vessels in the area. The wellhead relocation was successfully installed at a new location on August 20, 2021, for future natural gas production.
PTTEP plans to continuously relocate wellhead platform topside for reuse to optimise resource utilisation and reduce operating costs while making safety a priority.
Learn more (p.40)
Optimising efficiency and reducing waste: the impact of additive manufacturing at Baker Hughes
Global
Baker Hughes drives energy transition through innovation, efficiency, and quick turnaround times. Leveraging extensive additive manufacturing capabilities and engineering expertise, the company develops optimal, customised solutions to enhance the efficiency and reliability of equipment. Innovative solutions to product design are achieved through performance optimisation, systems consolidation, and model simulations.
Design for sustainability is a key focus at Baker Hughes, with certain spare parts manufactured using additive processes reducing material usage by up to 42%. This approach also helps reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, supporting the company’s commitment to sustainability.
Since 2015, Baker Hughes has promoted a circular economy by minimising waste and encouraging asset optimisation and reuse. By increasing internal asset reuse and remarketing strategies, the company aims to reduce waste and promote a more sustainable lifecycle for its products.
Baker Hughes’ products are designed to be repaired, refurbished, and upgraded to extend their lifespan. This approach not only benefits the business but also contributes positively to the planet by reducing waste and optimising resource use.
Learn more
A circular economy for polyurethane foam
Spain
Repsol Reciclex® is a circular material that gives products a second life. The Repsol Reciclex® range, which encompasses both polyolefins and polyols, is made with different types of plastic waste that are incorporated into virgin polymers that otherwise would end up in landfill.
Both mechanical and chemical recycling technologies are used to manufacture high-quality plastic raw materials that incorporate a percentage of post-consumer plastic ensuring the consistency of the material and its functionality for the final application, as car parts, food packaging, non-woven bags, film, etc.
Throughout this whole process, collaboration across the value chain is crucial, from suppliers of the plastic waste, that guarantee the plastic waste is high-quality, to technology developers, waste managers, and end customers.
Learn more
Agribusiness projects based on circular economy
Kenya, Congo
Eni has developed a vertical integration model for the production of vegetable oil, from no food crops on degraded lands (pursuant with ISCC-EU certification scheme) cover crops, and the valorisation of agricultural, agro-industrial and forestry residues, to be used for biofuels production.
According to the model, the agricultural production is mainly entrusted to local farmers, cultivating their own land, while Eni processes the agri feedstock, through the construction of vegetable oil extraction facilities (Agri Hub) or using existing ones, according to the industrial maturity in that context. The model also envisages the collection and valorisation of residues from agro-industries.
The Agri feedstock value chains are certified according to ISCC-EU (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification), one of the main certification schemes recognised by the European Commission.
Eni Agri feedstock initiatives bring significant benefits in the involved territories, in terms of environment, job creation and capacity building and training opportunities. From an environmental point of view, they support the regeneration of degraded agricultural areas (pursuant with ISCC-EU certification scheme), through the introduction of good agricultural practices and inputs (such as seeds and mechanisation). The supply chains promoted by Eni involve thousands of small farmers, allow the creation of income and access to the market, promoting socio-economic development in rural areas.
Learn more