Veolia to close recycling facilities MultiPet and Multiport GmbH in Bernburg, Germany
Veolia has announced that it will shut down its plastic recycling facilities MultiPet and Multiport GmbH in Bernburg at the end of 2025. The decision comes in response to persistently challenging market conditions in the plastic recycling sector. The company has pledged to support the 122 employees affected by the closure.
“From our sites in Bernburg, we have supplied customers across Europe with recycled HDPE and PET plastics,” said Guido Adomßent, CEO of Veolia Umweltservice. “However, high processing costs for plastic waste and consistently low prices for virgin plastics have severely impacted the profitability of these facilities. Under current conditions, continued operation is no longer economically viable.”
Founded in 1991 and 2001 respectively, Multiport GmbH and MultiPet GmbH were key players in the recycling of HDPE and PET plastics. They have been part of the Veolia Group in Germany since 2017. With an annual capacity of around 70,000 tonnes, the Bernburg site was one of the largest plastic recycling locations in Europe.
Veolia will enter negotiations with the relevant works council and explore opportunities to offer affected employees positions within other Veolia companies, depending on their qualifications and personal circumstances.
“Despite this development, we remain committed to the circular economy,” Adomßent emphasised. “Sorting, pre-treatment, shredding, and trading of plastics will continue to play a central role in our operations. Our sorting facilities are crucial in the recycling chain, providing the precise separation needed for high-quality recycling.”
Material flows from Bernburg will be redirected to other Veolia sites, particularly in the Netherlands and France. Shipments from Veolia Germany to these facilities will be increased to support their operational capacity.
Looking ahead, Veolia Germany plans to expand its successful PET recycling operations in Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland. The company is also investing in the digitalisation and efficiency of its facilities and is strengthening partnerships with municipalities and industrial stakeholders.