Technological watch

INEOS Styrolution and Polystyvert are collaborating to convert post-consumer polystyrene plastic into a new, high quality, polystyrene (PS) raw material resin.
Patented Dissolution Technology
Polystyvert uses a patented dissolution technology to process polystyrene waste into high quality recycled polystyrene. The dissolution method of advanced recycling takes plastic waste in its solid form and dissolves it in a solvent. Once dissolved, the process can mechanically and chemically separate contaminants and additives, before finally separating the original polymer from the solvent. The end-product is then a cleaned polymer that may be used as new raw material resin again.
Polystyvert’s in-depth purification technology offers the ability to treat all types of feedstock, from industrial waste to post-consumer streams. The technology can eliminate a wide range of hard-to-remove contaminants such as pigments and brominated flame-retardants. Recycled polystyrene pellets can then be used to manufacture various categories of polystyrene products, including food-grade applications.
Commitment to Advance Recycling Technologies
INEOS Styrolution has strong sustainability goals to improve and increase the recovery of post-consumer polystyrene waste. This joint development agreement reinforces their commitment to explore continued research into advanced recycling technologies. “The purification capacity of Polystyvert’s technology is unique,” says Ricardo Cuetos, vice president, INEOS Styrolution Americas, Standard Products. Cuetos continues, “The high quality of the final recycled polystyrene resin is essential to achieving a truly circular economy in key markets like food service packaging.”
Solenne Brouard, CEO of Polystyvert, states, “Dissolution is an efficient, low-energy technology which offers a cost-effective solution to recycle polystyrene in a closed loop.” Using this method, “recycled polystyrene is produced at a competitive price. Thus, opening up the full potential for a circular economy.” Ms. Brouard goes on to say, “We are pleased to work with INEOS Styrolution to set up a truly circular economy for polystyrene. Our common goal is to recycle as much polystyrene as possible and a partnership as such, will make a difference."