The Pyrowave process is an example of how innovation in diversion technology goes beyond resin-to-resin recycling technologies. Bechard noted: “These new technologies can improve recovery capabilities, drive our societies closer to zero waste and enhance circular economy objectives. We are very excited to bring our years of expertise in large-scale plastic recycling operations to support the commercialization of Pyrowave’s technology. We want to be the leader in adopting new circular technologies applied to recycling and our expertise in innovation makes it a perfect fit for our company.”
The industry would like to send the signal that post-consumer polystyrene can now be accepted through various collection programs. New technologies like Pyrowave are generating chemicals that are used by the manufacturers as feedstock to make new products and close the loop.
"INEOS Styrolution is extremely excited about this project, which brings together major players across the value chain with a smart solution to recycle polystyrene through new innovative technologies," said Ricardo Cuetos, Vice President Americas, Standard Products, INEOS Styrolution America LLC. “Chemical recycling enables us to close the loop and prevents valuable waste from entering our lands, waterways and oceans.”
Polystyrene is versatile, inexpensive to produce, lightweight to transport and has a low carbon footprint compared to other packaging materials. The insulating properties of foam containers helps keep food at the desired temperature. But this material, like many other single-use packaging applications, suffers from poor recycling rates due to major limitations in recovering and utilizing soiled post-consumer containers.
The support from the public and private sector has been essential in developing Pyrowave’s technology and this project will continue to generate economical value and create and maintain jobs in the plastic recycling industry while strengthening the development of a more sustainable chemical industry. This project shows that innovative technologies developed in Canada can enable new circular business models, create new economical benefits and help solve a growing global environmental problem.
