INEOS Styrolution to Build Europe's First Polystyrene Recycling Pilot Plant
- The pilot plant in Swindon will be operational in the second half of 2022.
- The plant will use depolymerisation to recycle polystyrene into styrene.
- Recycling Technologies' fluidised bed reactor technology will be used.
- Depolymerisation reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to virgin polystyrene production.
Investment Decision
INEOS Styrolution has confirmed its decision to invest in a pilot plant for advanced recycling of polystyrene. The plant, located in Swindon, UK, will be developed in collaboration with Recycling Technologies and is expected to be operational in the second half of 2022.
Depolymerisation Technology
The pilot plant will utilize depolymerisation technology, an advanced recycling method that converts polystyrene waste back into its main building block, styrene. This process allows the production of new polystyrene with properties identical to the virgin material, avoiding the need for downcycling. Additionally, depolymerisation significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to producing virgin polystyrene from naphtha.
Technology and Scalability
The Swindon plant will employ Recycling Technologies’ fluidised bed reactor technology, known for its excellent scalability. This makes it a suitable choice for future, larger recycling plants.
