To accelerate driving the circular economy for styrenics, AmSty, INEOS Styrolution and Trinseo have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to explore recycling options for polystyrene.
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JDA to advance the circularity of polystyrene
This JDA represents the first global combined effort to explore advanced recycling technologies, optimise them for commercial use, and call for all contributors along the value chain to make circularity of polystyrene a reality. The three companies are aiming at an economy where PCrPS waste does not end up in landfills but is recognised as a valuable resource.
Polystyrene is a unique polymer suitable for multiple advanced recycling solutions like depolymerisation. Its properties make it ideal for a circular economy – even enabling food contact compliancy of the recycled material, often considered the holy grail of polymer recycling.
All three companies have done their own independent research and have invested in various projects to further the commercialisation of advanced recycling capacity. This new joint effort enables all participants to share best practices and optimise recycling technologies for large-scale commercial us.
AmSty President and CEO Dr Randy Pogue said: “I am thrilled to see the industry coming together globally to work on a common goal to realise true circularity for styrenics. This is a true win-win for all participants in this joint effort and finally for our customers, for consumers and for society.”
Alexander Glück, President EMEA, INEOS Styrolution, added: “Polystyrene has all it takes to make it a star in a circular economy. Enhanced recycling technologies even offer recycled polystyrene at food contact quality. Which other polymer can do that?”
Nicolas Joly, Vice President Plastics & Feedstocks, Trinseo, concluded: “This marks another milestone in our industry’s commitment towards a circular economy where we can continue to enjoy all the benefits of polystyrene whilst solving the environmental challenges at the same time. I am looking forward to see other members of the value chain joining us.”