Global materials and additives producer will work with Clariter on polyethylene fiber chemical recycling technique. Source: Recycling Today

Netherlands-based Royal DSM, a global provider of plastic resins, chemicals and additives, has announced what it calls a strategic partnership with Luxembourg-based Clariter “to pursue a next-generation chemical recycling solution for products based on DSM’s Dyneema, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber.”

As a first step in the partnership, Royal DSM says a range of sample products – including ropes, nets, and ballistic materials made with Dyneema – have been successfully converted at Clariter’s pilot plant in Poland.

Clariter says its chemical recycling technology can transform some forms of plastic scrap it into “three industrial, ready-to-use product families: oils, waxes and solvents.”

These results mark the next important step on the circularity journey of DSM Protective Materials. Recyclability is key to us, our customers, and society at large and achieving this requires cross-value chain efforts. To this end, we’re looking forward to continuing to build our partnership with Clariter, and to continue using our science-based capabilities to deliver on our purpose of creating brighter lives for all.

Roeland Polet, President, DSM Protective Materials

According to Royal DSM’s website, its Protective Materials such as Dyneema are used “in everything from footwear and apparel to cut-resistant gloves to body armor.”

Looking at the logistics challenge to collect many tons of used marine ropes, nets and ballistic materials is daunting. However, when an economical route presents itself, suddenly the next horizon seems within reach. We are pleased to work with DSM to perform R&D on what we have dubbed ‘exciting exotics,’ and plan to use it as part of our raw materials in the full-scale plants we will build in Europe.

Petra Koselka, Chief Operations Officer, Clariter

Clariter says it has scheduled commercial-scale trials at its facility in South Africa for 2021, with the aim to use Dyneema-derived feedstock in its full-scale European plants planned to be built in the future.