Sulzer Launches Technology for Recycling Contaminated Polystyrene

Circular Economy Sulzer Launches Technology for Recycling Contaminated Polystyrene

2025-07-02 Source: Press release Sulzer 1 min Reading Time

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Sulzer has introduced its Ecostyrene technology for chemical recycling of contaminated polystyrene. With this technology, heavily contaminated polystyrene waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

The Ecostyrene process addresses one of the chemical recycling industry's most significant challenges: effectively processing waste polystyrene materials that contain multiple types of contaminants.(Source: Sulzer) — The Ecostyrene process addresses one of the chemical recycling industry's most significant challenges: effectively processing waste polystyrene materials that contain multiple types of contaminants.
(Source: Sulzer)

Winterthur/Switzerland – Sulzer has announced the launch of its licensed Ecostyrene technology, a groundbreaking solution for the chemical recycling of contaminated polystyrene materials. The Ecostyrene process addresses one of the chemical recycling industry's most significant challenges: effectively processing waste polystyrene materials that contain multiple types of contaminants. Unlike conventional recycling methods that require pristine feedstock, this technology efficiently processes polystyrene waste containing flame retardant components and food residue, transforming these previously unrecyclable materials into valuable resources that can be reintroduced into the production cycle, including food contact applications.

"We're excited to bring this transformative technology to market," said Ilja Mikenberg, Global Head of Process Solutions at Sulzer Chemtech. "The chemical recycling sector has been seeking sustainable solutions for contaminated plastic waste management, and our Ecostyrene technology provides a practical, economically viable answer even for the most challenging feedstock."

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The technology has been developed in partnership with a leading technology and solution provider with commercial experience providing fluid-bed reactor technology. Combining Sulzer’s process and equipment expertise in the field of polymer recycling with a proven reactor technology spearheaded the development. The strategic collaboration has accelerated the development process, making the technology commercially available today.

Sulzer Chemtech and its partner are building a polystyrene alliance across the value chain, from waste manager to brand owner, to valorize polystyrene waste. Chemical recycling operators can now implement this solution to expand their acceptable feedstock range, reduce environmental impact, meet sustainability targets, and generate additional value from materials previously considered too contaminated for conventional recycling methods.

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