Trinseo Opens Polycarbonate Dissolution Pilot Facility in Terneuzen
- The polycarbonate dissolution pilot facility was inaugurated on April 5, 2023.
- The facility will move to the Central Process Research Laboratory, currently under construction.
- Dissolution recycling uses solvents to extract polymers from mixed materials.
- The pilot plant supports Trinseo's 2030 Sustainability Goals.
Inauguration of Pilot Facility
Trinseo inaugurated its polycarbonate (PC) dissolution pilot facility in Terneuzen, the Netherlands, on April 5, 2023. The event was attended by Jo-Annes de Bat, Provincial Executive of the Netherlands.
Facility Details
The pilot facility is currently located in a temporary area at Trinseo’s Terneuzen site. It will later be moved to the Central Process Research Laboratory, which is under construction at the same site.
Dissolution Recycling Technology
Dissolution recycling is a physical process where solvents extract the needed polymer. Trinseo’s technology allows post- or pre-consumer materials containing PC to be dissolved without pre-treatment, separating PC from other materials like plastics, metal, or glass. The extracted PC is 100% recycled and can be used for new applications such as mobile phone casings, printer enclosures, or automotive parts.
Impact on Sustainability Goals
The pilot plant is a significant step towards achieving Trinseo’s 2030 Sustainability Goals. It aims to accelerate recycling processes and increase the supply of sustainable feedstock.