New partner for realization of circular polystyrene

Four polystyrene producers and recyclers have initiated a Non-Disclosure Agreement to explore and optimize advanced recycling technologies for polystyrene, such as depolymerization. The agreement is intended accelerate steps by the industry to reduce plastic waste by creating a more circular economy for polystyrene.
Polystyrene (Source: Pixabay, Liesbeth Stemkens)

Agilyx, the pioneer in chemical recycling of post-use plastic streams, will collaborate with leading polystyrene producers Amsty, Ineos Styrolution and Trinseo to identify and develop the best design and supply chain approach to produce new high-value recycled products from polystyrene waste. Agilyx’s approach builds upon the intrinsic properties of polystyrene to allow the production of even food grade material from polystyrene post-consumer waste.

“It is encouraging to see the industry coming together to accelerate the circularity of polystyrene,” said Tim Stedman, CEO of Agilyx. “Polystyrene is an ideally suited material to achieve circularity, something we at Agilyx have an expertise in fulfilling. With our deep technology expertise in converting polystyrene waste back to styrene, we are confident in driving the development of polystyrene recycling further with these three leading polystyrene producers.”

Dr. Randy Pogue, President and Chief Executive Officer, Amsty, commented: “We hope to signal to the industry, in particular to companies along the value chain in a circular economy, that we are very serious about circularity for polystyrene. Since 2018, Amsty and Agilyx have already worked together in our joint facility in Tigard, Oregon, using Agilyx’s breakthrough pyrolysis technology. We are delighted to see Agilyx join our program and couldn’t imagine a better partner.”

Dr. Alexander Glück, Ineos Styrolution, added: “Recycling of plastics is a challenge that crosses company barriers and we believe that cooperation will be key to successful implementation and further development of recycling programs. We are very pleased to have so much expertise come together and we also encourage partners from other parts of the value chain to join our effort.”

“Circularity of polystyrene allows us to take advantage of the benefits of the material while reducing the impact on the environment to a minimum”, said Nicolas Joly, Vice President Plastics & Feedstocks, Trinseo. “Polystyrene is an ideal material for the recycling future, and it’s a strong sign that this group of companies has agreed to drive this future.”

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