Ineos realizes the reuse of styrene for the first time

Recently, Ineos Styrolution, a subsidiary of Ineos, announced that it had completed its first test of polystyrene (PS) production from recycled styrene in Antwerp, Belgium. Styrolution said that the experiment was only laboratory-scale, using chemical methods to recycle styrene-based plastics to produce styrene monomers, and then using these styrene raw materials for general-purpose PS production, was an experimental verification of PS recyclability. The results show that the properties of PS resin produced are the same as those of new products.

PS has always been considered as a non-recyclable resin. Rob Buntinx, regional president of Styrolution's EMEA, said: "Experiments show that polystyrene resins are recyclable, which is an important milestone and will help reduce PS waste. We now look forward to commercializing this process to help save valuable resources.

Styrolution is one of the founding members of Styrenics Circular Solutions. Last year, the company launched a joint industry initiative aimed at promoting the transformation of the styrene resin industry into a circular economy.