Sulzer Launches Polystyrene Recycling Technology

Sulzer announces the launch of its licensed EcoStyrene technology, a breakthrough solution for the chemical recycling of contaminated polystyrene materials.

The EcoStyrene process addresses one of the most significant challenges facing the chemical recycling industry: the efficient processing of polystyrene waste containing a wide range of contaminants.

“We are excited to bring this transformative technology to the market,” said Ilja Mikenenberg, Global Head of Process Solutions at Sulzer Chemical Technologies. “The chemical recycling industry has been seeking sustainable solutions for the management of contaminated plastic waste, and our EcoStyrene technology offers a practical and economically viable solution even for the most challenging feedstocks.”

The technology was developed in collaboration with a leading technology and solutions provider with extensive commercial experience in fluidized bed reactor technology. Sulzer led the development of the technology by combining its process and equipment expertise in polymer recycling with proven reactor technology. The strategic collaboration accelerated the development process and has now enabled the technology to be commercially available.

Sulzer Chemical Technology and its partners are establishing a Polystyrene Alliance covering the entire value chain, from waste managers to brand owners, to valorize polystyrene waste.