Ineos Styrolution
Ineos Styrolution, Frankfurt, Germany, was selected as a joint winner of the ICIS Innovation Awards in the Innovation with Best Benefit for Environment and Sustainability category. The company was presented with the award at a special ceremony Dec.13 at The Savoy Hotel in London.
The award recognizes Ineos Styrolution’s actions to drive chemical recycling of polystyrene (PS) forward, according to an Ineos news release. The company is working with global technology leaders on closed loop solutions for PS by polymerizing styrene from previously depolymerized PS. With developing solutions for a circular economy for styrenics being on top of the company’s agenda, chemical recycling of PS is one of the key projects for Ineos Styrolution, the company says.
Chemical recycling solutions are part of the recently announced Ineos Styrolution Eco family of solutions for the circular economy of styrenics.
Norbert Niessner, director of global research and development, intellectual property at Ineos Styrolution, says, “Earlier this year, we were able to establish a proof of concept with first runs of polystyrene production from previously depolymerized polystyrene in lab/pilot scale. We are now working on commercializing the solution.”
He adds, “We build our process on the unique chemical property of polystyrene that allows us to reverse the polymerization process. Polystyrene made from depolymerized waste has identical properties as the initial material. In other words, the process does not result in downcycling, and the new material will even meet food-contact quality.”
Sven Riechers, vice president, business management standard products, EMEA at Ineos Styrolution, says, “We are committed to make depolymerization of polystyrene the basis for a circular business model for styrenics. We see postconsumer waste as a valuable resource. This approach will maximize the potential of postconsumer waste as a valuable resource and also contribute to a cleaner environment.”
“Polystyrene has contributed to the well-being of our society for many decades,” he adds. “It contributes to reducing food waste by preserving food and by extending shelf life. In addition, it helps to save energy with lightweight solutions in the automotive industry and with insulation solutions in the construction industry. With chemical recycling, we can continue to produce new polystyrene at the same high-quality standards that our customers are used to receiving from us with no impact on the environment or on future generations.”