The polystyrene producers AmSty, Ineos Styrolution and Trinseo have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to jointly explore recycling options for polystyrene. According to the three partners, the companies are committed to a circular economy for 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 post-consumer polystyrene waste does not end up in landfills but is recognised as a valuable resource for the development of new materials for future use.
Polystyrene is said to be suitable for multiple recycling solutions like depolymerisation. Its properties make it ideal for a circular economy – even enabling food contact compliance of the recycled material. 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 allows all participants to share best practices and optimise recycling technologies for large-scale commercial use.
Dr. Randy Pogue, President and Chief Executive Officer of AmSty, 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?”
“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 to make our vision become a reality in the very near future,” said Nicolas Joly, Vice President Plastics & Feedstocks, Trinseo.
AmSty is a producer of polystyrene and styrene monomer. The company is a joint venture equally owned by Chevron Phillips Chemical Company LP and Trinseo LLC. Ineos Styrolution is a global styrenics supplier, with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS standard and styrenic specialities. Trinseo is a global materials solutions provider and manufacturer of plastics, latex binders, and synthetic rubber.