Progress has been delayed on the AgroRenew bioplastics plant in Knox County, but the company says it remains fully committed to the project.

Founders Brian and Katie Southern released an update today saying new tariffs on European equipment have pushed back their timeline.  They say that the specialized machinery which is essential to production has increased in cost by 50 percent due to the tariff which is creating a ripple effect on construction and planning.

The plant, to be built at 701 East Elkhorn Road in Vincennes, will be 196,000 square feet and include corporate offices and the company’s first full-scale bioplastics operation. The plant will convert agriculture waste into biodegradable plastic.

A ceremonial groundbreaking was held on the project on June 18th of last year.

“We’re incredibly excited about what this project means for our team, our region, and the future of sustainable materials,” the Southerns said.

AgroRenew is now aiming to begin production by fall of 2026. But for that to happen, they say equipment must arrive by February and that will depend on whether a federal tariff waiver is granted in the next few months.

The company says it’s working closely with local and federal officials to keep the project on track and aligned with harvest season needs.

“We know how important this facility is to our region—and we’re committed to seeing it through, the right way,” the Southerns said. “Thanks for sticking with us.