MOSCOW (MRC) -- Indaver, a leader in sustainable waste management, and INEOS Styrolution, global leader in styrenics, are set to team up as technology partners in a project funded by the EU LIFE programme, the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and resource efficiency, according to Chemweek.
The project, which is planned for a duration of four years, will demonstrate the production of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) based on recycled feedstock.
The project, called “LIFE ABSolutely Circular” aims at demonstrating the environmental and economic benefits of using advanced recycling technologies to close the loop of plastic recycling.
An initial key objective of the project is to demonstrate for the first time the production of ABS based on recycled feedstock taking advantage of advanced recycling technologies. The project is also planned to demonstrate scaling of the solution from lab scale to demo plant and ultimately to commercialisation.
The ABS copolymer is used in a broad range of applications in many industries including automotive, healthcare, electronics, household, and toys/ sports/ leisure. The material significantly contributes to societal well-being with a well-balanced mix of properties. It is robust, dimensional stable, leightweight and has an aesthetic surface appearance. It is also compliant with food contact regulations and is easy to process.
Paul De Bruycker, CEO at Indaver comments: “We are looking forward to develop a demo plant and an upscaling plan to achieve the objectives of this project. We are thrilled to work on a solution that allows us to take advantage of the amazing properties of styrenics while eliminating the impact on the environment and on future generations.”
Dr. Alexander Gluck, President EMEA at INEOS Styrolution: “We are excited about this project as we believe there is intrinsic value in plastics products after usage. We share the vision with Indaver to turn plastic waste into valuable resources instead of letting it end up in landfills.”
As MRC reported earlier, in August 2020, INEOS Styrolution, the styrenics subsidiary of Ineos, signed a joint development agreement with Recycling Technologies (Swindon, UK), a specialist plastic recycling technology provider, to advance the development of polystyrene (PS) recycling in Europe. The agreement recognizes the commercial value of post-consumer plastic waste to prevent it being incinerated or ending up in landfill, the company said.
According to MRC's ScanPlast report, October ABS shipments to the Russian market virtually remained at the previous month's level, totalling 5,060 tonnes. Overall consumption of material in the country was 37,120 tonnes in the first ten months of 2020, down by 6% year on year.
INEOS Styrolution is the leading, global styrenics supplier with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 85 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering the best possible solution, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including Automotive, Electronics, Household, Construction, Healthcare, Packaging and Toys/ Sports/ Leisure. In 2018, sales were at 5.4 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,500 people and operates 20 production sites in ten countries.
MRC