#Germany #ROHM #NextChem #Worms #NXRe™ technology

NEXTCHEM Teams Up with Röhm for Chemical Recycling Study

In a significant move towards sustainability in the chemical industry, NEXTCHEM, a subsidiary of MAIRE S.p.A., has been awarded a feasibility study to explore the establishment of a chemical recycling plant for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at Röhm's production facilities in Worms, Germany. This initiative underscores ongoing efforts to enhance circular economy practices within the sector, particularly in relation to PMMA, a widely used polymer.

Project Overview

The forthcoming chemical recycling plant aims to integrate seamlessly with Röhm's existing operations, initially targeting the processing of 5,000 tons of PMMA annually. The project represents a collaboration between NEXTCHEM and Röhm, a recognized leader in methacrylate chemistry with an expansive production footprint across Europe, North America, and China. The partnership was initially formed in December 2024, focusing on establishing a robust PMMA recycling network within Europe.

NXRe™ Technology

Central to this initiative is NEXTCHEM's proprietary NXRe™ technology. This advanced process employs molten metal depolymerization to continuously recycle PMMA plastics, transforming them into ultra-pure recycled methyl methacrylate (r-MMA) that maintains a quality comparable to virgin materials. Such innovative technology not only aims to curb the carbon footprint associated with traditional methacrylate production but is anticipated to achieve a remarkable reduction exceeding 90%. This can be attributed to the adoption of PMMA scraps—designated as Secondary Raw Material (SRM)—as feedstock, significantly diminishing reliance on fossil fuels and the emissions generated throughout their extraction and processing.

Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of NEXTCHEM, stated, “Our NXRe™ PMMA technology is a cornerstone of our strategy for sustainable materials. This feasibility study with Röhm marks a crucial step toward industrializing advanced recycling solutions and highlights the importance of solid partnerships in promoting the energy transition.”

Implications for the Industry

The ambitious goals set by Röhm include the complete elimination of incineration and landfill disposal for PMMA-related waste by 2030, emphasizing a strong commitment to environmental sustainability. Collaborative projects like this one signal a shift in the industry, where recycling and sustainable practices are becoming essential to survival and growth.

As this project unfolds, NEXTCHEM will not only lay down the groundwork for potential licensing of NXRe™ PMMA technology but also pave the way for the establishment of further industrial-scale recycling plants. The first of these is currently in development in Italy, expected to be operational by 2026.

The collaborative efforts between NEXTCHEM and Röhm significantly advance the PMMA circular economy while also fostering innovation in low-carbon manufacturing. This venture signifies a monumental step towards creating a sustainable future for the plastic industry, where recycled materials are fully integrated into production processes.

About MAIRE S.p.A.

MAIRE, a prominent technology and engineering group dedicated to facilitating the energy transition, operates in various sectors including sustainable fertilizers and low-carbon energy solutions. With a workforce of approximately 10,500 professionals worldwide and operations spread across 50 countries, MAIRE continues to position itself as a vanguard in sustainable materials and circular solutions.