Polystyrene recycling solutions

Sulzer Chemtech and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have joined forces to bring comprehensive polystyrene (PS) recycling solutions to the industry. This partnership aims to make PS a fully circular product by developing and promoting a processing train that can convert poorly recycled waste PS into high-purity styrene, suitable for producing various grades of styrenic polymers, including those with stringent food-related requirements.

PS is commonly used in single-use products, such as packaging and food containers, but has a low recycling rate. The collaboration between Sulzer Chemtech and VTT aims to change this by providing a complete system for converting waste PS into high-quality styrene, which can then be used to produce new grades of polymers. The system will rely on VTT's patented pyrolysis-based depolymerization solution and Sulzer Chemtech's SuRe^TM Styrene purification technology.

The collaboration will provide PS manufacturers and recyclers with a complete setup to increase the range of feedstock material supported by their plants, improving sustainability and product quality. Sulzer Chemtech will act as the main licensor, providing full process solutions to customers, including basic engineering services, supply of key equipment, and skid-mounted modular units.

Patrick Farquet, Head of Renewables and Bio-based Applications at Sulzer Chemtech, said, "We are excited to integrate VTT's cutting-edge PS chemical recycling technology into our licensed technology portfolio to further attest our commitment to sustainability. It will get us and the entire industry a step closer to making PS a fully circular product."

Jarmo Ropponen, Vice President of Industrial Chemistry at VTT, said, "Sulzer Chemtech has an excellent track-record with projects aimed at driving circularity in the (bio)-polymer and plastic sectors. For VTT, Sulzer Chemtech is an ideal industrial partner to drive the global adoption of PS chemical recycling facilities. We look forward to working together to develop more sustainable plastics and bring positive change in the sector."