Trio leads US polystyrene recycling

Chemical recycling technology specialist Agilyx and partners Technip Energies and Ineos Styrolution are scaling up the development of a facility at Channahon, Illinois to handle 100 tonnes of polystyrene per day.

A smaller operation has been running for five years converting polystyrene back into a high purity styrene monomer. The monomer can be used to make new, food-grade plastic products or packaging.

Under the agreement, the partners will develop the design and engineering ahead of constructing the chemical recycling facility. Completion of engineering, expected this year, will form the basis for a financial investment decision.

Tim Stedman, Agilyx ceo, says: ‘I’m delighted that we are partnering with Ineos Styrolution to continue development of the first large scale TruStyrenyx plant, utilising some of the private placement funds Agilyx raised in September.

‘We view TruStyrenyx as a game changer in the recycling of polystyrene, enabling an incredibly high purity, circular solution. This new facility will help to meet the growing demand from brand owners and consumers who want to see more recycled plastics in products.’

Greg Fordyce, president of Ineos Styrolution, adds that the facility will increase polystyrene recycling rates in the greater Chicago area and across the US. ‘The TruStyrenyx facility will allow us to provide our customers with recycled content that is incredibly high purity for producing environmentally conscious products using innovative and sustainable solutions.’

Technip specialises in distillation, Agilyx in depolymerisation and pyrolysis while Ineos leads on the construction and operation.