A conversation with Blend Energy founder Daniel Davidov

As Cyprus strengthens its position as a regional hub for innovation and sustainability, companies working on real industrial solutions are becoming increasingly important to the island’s future. Among them is Blend Energy, a Limassol-based company developing advanced systems that convert mixed plastic waste into circular raw materials for the petrochemical industry.

We spoke with founder Daniel Davidov about his journey from oil and gas engineering to circular economy innovation, and his vision for Cyprus as a manufacturing hub for next-generation recycling technologies.

What led you to establish Blend Energy in Cyprus?

I am a chemical engineer from Scotland and spent several years working in the oil and gas sector, delivering large multi-million-dollar projects as a project manager. That experience gave me a strong foundation in industrial engineering, systems design and large-scale infrastructure delivery.

Over time, however, I became increasingly focused on the global plastic waste challenge. I felt there was a real need for practical, scalable technological solutions. In 2021, I founded Blend Energy together with my father, who was already based in Limassol. Cyprus offered the right combination of strategic location, talent potential and opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up.

How does your technology address the plastic waste problem?

A key point we always clarify is that we do not incinerate or burn plastics. Our systems convert mixed plastic waste into circular oil, which can then be supplied to European petrochemical facilities to produce new virgin-grade circular plastics.

This supports the transition toward a true circular economy and aligns directly with upcoming European sustainability targets, including the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Our aim is to maximise material recovery while reducing environmental impact.

What milestones has Blend Energy achieved so far?

Since founding the company, we have designed and built advanced plastic recycling systems and conducted extensive research and development to refine efficiency, safety and environmental performance.

We have also developed an integrated CO₂ capture system to significantly reduce emissions associated with the process. More recently, we successfully manufactured and certified our latest commercial-scale system. These are important steps in demonstrating both technical credibility and industrial readiness.

We have designed and built the systems in Cyprus and validated key aspects of the process through controlled testing, including product quality and system performance. Each modular unit is designed to process up to 1,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year.

The next step is first commercial deployments with industrial partners, both locally and in international markets, under permitted operating conditions.

Why do you believe Cyprus can play a role in this sector?

Our vision is to establish Cyprus as a manufacturing hub for this technology, supplying markets across Europe and beyond. We are already producing and certifying critical proprietary components locally, including specialised reactors.

This approach can contribute to the development of advanced industrial capability on the island while creating high-value engineering and technical jobs. Cyprus has the potential to position itself as a centre for circular economy innovation and export-driven technology solutions.

How important is community engagement in your strategy?

Innovation must be connected to society. We are keen to collaborate with local NGOs and community organisations, such as environmental awareness groups, to help promote responsible waste management and circular plastics education.

We believe meaningful impact happens when industry and communities work together. Raising awareness at grassroots level is just as important as developing advanced technology.

Looking ahead, what is your long-term ambition for Blend Energy?

Our focus is on scaling the technology, strengthening manufacturing capacity in Cyprus and building partnerships across Europe. The transition to circular resource systems is accelerating, and companies that can provide credible industrial solutions will play a crucial role.

We want Blend Energy to contribute not only to solving the plastic waste challenge, but also to supporting Cyprus’ evolution as a hub for innovation, sustainability and modern industrial development..