#Germany #Antwerp #INEOS Styrolution #Indaver #recycled styrene

INEOS Styrolution Marks a Major Milestone in Sustainability

In a significant development for the recycling industry, INEOS Styrolution has successfully received its first commercial shipment of recycled styrene monomer (SM) at its Antwerp site. This milestone, marked by the arrival of the first truckloads sourced from Indaver’s newly inaugurated depolymerisation plant, positions INEOS at the forefront of sustainable styrenics recycling in Europe.

The Implications of Recycled Styrene Monomer

Recycled styrene monomer, produced through advanced depolymerisation, offers a sustainable alternative to virgin plastic, enabling the creation of high-quality polystyrene and other styrenics that meet stringent standards for food-grade and medical applications. This innovative approach adds a vital component to INEOS Styrolution's product portfolio, which already includes mechanically recycled and bio-attributed materials. The integration of chemically recycled styrene demonstrates the company’s commitment to adopting comprehensive recycling technologies catering to various waste streams.

Rob Buntinx, President EMEA of INEOS Styrolution, expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, "We are pleased that we can now offer styrenics from depolymerisation at market scale. This gives our customers more sustainable options to lower their environmental footprint without compromising product quality or performance."

Erik Moerman, Sales and Development Director at Indaver’s Plastics2Chemicals (P2C) division, elaborated on the unique capabilities of this new method. "By converting hard-to-recycle plastics into virgin-quality feedstock like styrene, we are closing the loop in the circular economy, presenting sustainable alternatives to fossil resources. Our technology not only enhances material purity but also supports demanding applications such as food packaging," he noted.

Understanding Depolymerisation

Depolymerisation differs from mechanical recycling by breaking down polystyrene back into its original monomer, a crucial process that allows for high-value applications. This method ensures the preservation of the material’s quality, making it suitable for various demanding uses. It also boasts a lower energy footprint than other advanced recycling methods, such as pyrolysis, by simplifying the recycling process into fewer resource-intensive steps, ultimately lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

The achievement marks a pivotal shift as polystyrene can now be reverted to its original form and then transformed back into valuable products. This innovative recycling method not only conserves resources but promotes a significant reduction in waste, steering clear of landfills and litter.

A Commitment to Sustainability

INEOS Styrolution’s initiative aligns with the broader industry trend toward sustainability and circular economy principles. The company is recognized as a leading producer of high-performance styrenics across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, and packaging. Its strategy embodies a dedication to meeting evolving customer needs while achieving sustainability targets through innovative material science.

With over 90 years of expertise, INEOS Styrolution leverages global resources and local insights, maintaining a robust portfolio of high-performance materials. The company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is evident in its efforts to eliminate barriers to circularity within the plastics industry.

This milestone not only reflects the advancements in recycling technology but also highlights INEOS Styrolution's role as a proactive participant in shaping a more sustainable future for materials manufacturing and usage.

For more insights into INEOS Styrolution and its innovative approaches to sustainable materials, visit INEOS website.