Trinseo opens PMMA depolymerization plant in Italy to support sustainable development of plastics value chain

Specialty materials solutions provider Trinseo is opening a new generation of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in the Italian town of Ro
Depolymerization plants to help boost the potential of sustainable plastics. The demonstration unit is scheduled to be operational in the first quarter of 2024, marking a key step towards reshaping the plastics ecosystem as part of a circular economy. PMMA, known for its versatility in a variety of applications, will be transformed through this advanced recycling and purification process, allowing it to be reintroduced into the plastics value chain and support circularity goals. The depolymerization process is designed to enable efficient recycling of end-of-life PMMA and other difficult-to-recycle structures that will ultimately be used to produce acrylic resins, sheets, and compounds containing recycled materials.

Depolymerization is a chemical recycling technology that complements more traditional mechanical recycling processes. While mechanical recycling is critical to a successful circular economy, depolymerization creates entirely new opportunities by reducing polymers to their constituent monomers. This allows for the recycling of a wider range of PMMA-based materials, supports improvements in recycled content and overall recycling rates, and helps reduce the need for virgin materials for manufacturing.

Francesca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Trinseo
Reverberi said: “Innovation in recycling technology is crucial to effectively recycle all types of materials. This new installation is another major achievement for a scalable system with the goal of making PMMA a truly high-quality recycling material. When working with us When combined with our own in-house sourcing and processing of collected material through our Heathland recycling operations, our PMMA depolymerization plant will provide a high-performance solution for the search for new ways to address plastics supply chain sustainability issues.”

Trinseo’s depolymerization facility is being developed around a continuous recycling model to produce high-quality recycled PMMA that matches the quality of the original product, thereby contributing to the circular plastics value chain without compromising performance. Using this advanced recycling technology, introducing recycled monomer into the supply chain helps achieve the goals of reducing carbon emissions, water consumption and natural resource conservation as shown in the MMAtwo project’s environmental benefit calculator. The shift to PMMA depolymerization helps bring sustainability benefits to consumers, manufacturers and industry. From car lights to signage and more, this technology creates an opportunity to give a new lease of life to a range of everyday products.

The materials produced using the depolymerization process will be part of Trinseo’s unique “R-Life” product portfolio, designed around a commitment to sustainability and covering mechanically and chemically recycled PMMA grades. These products have applications in mobility, construction and consumer goods, meeting the growing demand for sustainable products.