Braven Environmental Secures Tax Agreement for Texas Recycling Facility
Braven Environmental has obtained a tax agreement with Jefferson County, Texas to build a chemical recycling facility. The company plans to construct a $110 million plant capable of processing 67,000 tons of plastic waste per year.
Project Details
The Jefferson County Commissioners Court approved a tax abatement agreement with Braven on February 6. This agreement will provide the company with a 100% property tax abatement for the first five years, followed by decreasing percentages over the next five years.
The proposed facility will convert plastic waste into liquid feedstock through pyrolysis technology. This process heats plastic in an oxygen-free environment to break it down into its original components.
Economic Impact
According to documents from the county, the project is expected to:
- Create 75 full-time jobs
- Generate $6.2 million in annual payroll
- Begin construction in Q3 2024
- Start operations by Q1 2026
Industry Context
This development comes as chemical recycling facilities face increasing scrutiny nationwide. Environmental advocates have raised concerns about emissions, while proponents argue these facilities offer solutions for difficult-to-recycle plastics.
Braven Environmental already operates a similar facility in Virginia and has been expanding its footprint in the chemical recycling sector.
Regulatory Landscape
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will need to approve permits for the facility before construction can begin. The tax agreement requires Braven to obtain all necessary permits by December 31, 2024.
This project represents part of a growing trend of chemical recycling investments across the United States, as companies seek alternatives to traditional mechanical recycling for processing complex plastic waste streams.