Recycling of styrene-based materials

The goal of this programme is to improve the quality of dissolution-recycled styrene-based materials. This is done by replacing additives at the design stage, improved sorting of waste streams, such as Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) and developing and scaling up dissolution-based techniques.

Scaling up ABS/HIPS recycling

The pilot facility will develop a process for large-scale recycling of ABS/HIPS based on existing polystyrene recycling technology.

Subsequently, a demo plant will be developed for general technological development of dissolution processes, with implications for handling various polymer/old chemical additive combinations, such as EPS with BFR (HBCD) and ABS/HIPS with BFR.

Showcase: Styrene-based materials (PS, ABS, HIPS)

At the material level, replacement of additives that cannot be separated in recycling process and interfere with application of recycled material is sought. Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is being looked at for characterization and sorting. Here the focus is on materials containing halogen-based flame retardants.