#USA #Houston #Lummus Technology #Sumitomo Chemical #PMMA Recycling

Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical Launch PMMA Chemical Recycling Technology

On February 4, 2026, Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical announced the launch of their revolutionary Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) technology, marking a significant advancement in sustainable manufacturing practices. This new technology aims to facilitate the recycling of PMMA, a commonly used plastic, thus reducing environmental impact and enhancing resource efficiency in various industries.

Background of the Partnership

The collaboration between Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical began in May 2024, with the goal of co-developing advanced technologies to promote circular economy practices across the petrochemical value chain. This joint effort has culminated in a commercial product designed to safely and efficiently recycle end-of-life PMMA into high-quality methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomers.

Leon de Bruyn, the President and CEO of Lummus Technology, stated, “By combining our process expertise with Sumitomo Chemical’s material innovation, we are providing a scalable and economically advantageous PMMA recycling solution.” This sentiment underscores the focus on sustainability, aiming to create a pathway for industries to reduce plastic waste while generating new value from recycled materials.

How the PMMA-CR Technology Works

The new PMMA-CR technology operates on an advanced depolymerization process that transforms post-consumer and post-industrial PMMA waste back into high-purity MMA monomer, nearly matching the quality of traditional fossil-derived materials. This technology features:

• - Highly Efficient Recycling Process: The PMMA-CR conversion process ensures a high yield and purity rate, effectively offering a closed-loop solution for PMMA applications in numerous sectors such as automotive, electronics, and construction.
• - Continuous Operation: Utilizing a state-of-the-art self-cleaning extruder system, the equipment maintains high utilization rates and ensures ease of operation. This flexibility is crucial for meeting diverse production demands.
• - Environmental Impact: By adopting this technology, companies can expect to reduce their lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50%, emphasizing substantial contributions towards reducing reliance on fossil feedstocks and enhancing environmental stewardship.

Industry Implications

With the introduction of PMMA-CR technology, Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical are positioning themselves at the forefront of the push for sustainable practices within the chemical industry. By commercializing this technology, they not only contribute to reducing plastic waste but also advance the circular economy model within their operational practices.

Seiji Takeuchi, Senior Managing Executive Officer at Sumitomo Chemical, expressed pride in the launch, asserting, “Through commercial licensing, we will help realize a circular economy by enabling the recycling of PMMA.”

This collaborative effort reflects a growing trend in the industry where companies are increasingly held accountable for their environmental impact. The PMMA-CR technology serves as a prime example of how industries can innovate towards sustainability, making it a competitive advantage rather than a regulatory burden.

Future Prospects

As Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical look to further develop this technology, they invite customers to partake in the transition towards a circular PMMA approach. The scalability and modularity of the PMMA-CR technology make it an attractive option for numerous manufacturing applications, catering to the rising global demand for sustainable solutions.

For more information on Lummus Technology and their groundbreaking PMMA-CR technology, visit their official website at LummusTechnology.com. Learn more about Sumitomo Chemical and their commitment to innovation at Sumitomo-Chem.co.jp.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in the industry, paving the way for a more sustainable and circular future in the chemical manufacturing landscape.