Global leader in styrenics Ineos Styrolution and Canadian clean technology startup Polystyvert are collaborating to convert post-consumer polystyrene plastic into a new, high-quality, PS raw material resin.

Source: PTOnline

According to a news release from Ineos Styrolution, Ineos Polystyvert will use a patented dissolution method of advanced recycling that 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.

Using this method, ‘recycled polystyrene’ is produced at a competitive price. Thus, opening up the full potential for a circular economy. 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.

Solenne Brouard, CEO, Polystyvert

Polystyvert’s in-depth purification technology reportedly 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.

The purification capacity of Polystyvert’s technology is unique. The high quality of the final recycled polystyrene resin is essential to achieving a truly circular economy in key markets like food service packaging.

Ricardo Cuetos, V.P., Ineos Styrolution Americas