Sulzer Chemtech has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the VTT Technical Research Center in Finland to promote the development and promotion of a fully integrated process line that converts poorly processed polystyrene waste into high purity styrene suitable for the production of various grades of styrene polymers, said the company.
More complex food-related applications with stringent VOC requirements will also be included. The system will rely on VTT's patented pyrolysis-based depolymerization solution and Sulzer Chemtech's SuRe styrene purification technology.
Polystyrene producers and processors will benefit from the completed plant in the near future, allowing them to expand the range of feedstocks produced at their plants. This will ultimately allow processors to strengthen their sustainability and improve product quality.
Sulzer Chemtech, which supports VTT in the development of polystyrene processing technology, will act as the main licensor, providing customers with complete technology solutions. These solutions include basic engineering services, supply of key equipment and skid-mounted modular units.
Jarmo Ropponen, Vice President of Industrial Chemistry at VTT, commented: “Sulzer Chemtech has extensive experience with cycling projects in the (bio)polymers and plastics sectors. For VTT, Sulzer Chemtech is the ideal industrial partner for the global deployment of polystyrene chemical processing plants.”
Patrick Farke, Head of Renewable Energy and Biotechnology Applications at Sulzer Chemtech, added: “We are excited to expand our portfolio of licensed technologies by integrating VTT's advanced polystyrene chemical processing technology to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability. Moreover, it will bring us and the entire industry closer to making polystyrene a fully versatile product.”
We remind, Sulzer Chemtech is providing process engineering and key equipment for the expansion of Dongsuh Indonesia (DSI) naphthalene downstream sector. The delivery of an advanced separation unit to DSI’s plant in Serang, Indonesia, will enable the production of high purity naphthalene that can be used for applications with stringent quality requirements.
mrchub.com