PMMA chemical recycling – NEXTCHEM and Röhm Advance PMMA Chemical Recycling in Germany, Accelerating Circular Economy Solutions and Cutting Carbon Emissions Across Sustainable Methacrylate Production Value Chains Globally 17-12-2025
PMMA chemical recycling
NEXTCHEM Selected by Röhm to Assess PMMA Chemical Recycling Facility in Germany
MAIRE has announced that NEXTCHEM, through its subsidiary MyRemono, has been selected by Röhm to conduct a site-specific feasibility study for a PMMA chemical recycling facility in Germany. The proposed plant would be located at Röhm’s existing manufacturing site in Worms, in south-west Germany, a strategic location already integrated into the company’s methacrylate production network.
Röhm is widely recognized as a global leader in methacrylate chemistry, with production and research operations across Europe, North America, and China. The collaboration with NEXTCHEM reflects Röhm’s commitment to innovation and sustainability, particularly in advancing PMMA chemical recycling as a core element of its long-term environmental strategy.
Supporting Circular Economy Goals in PMMA Production
The feasibility study directly supports Röhm’s sustainability objectives, including its target to fully eliminate the incineration and landfill disposal of PMMA-related production residues by 2030. By redirecting PMMA waste into a closed recycling loop, Röhm aims to strengthen circular material use and reduce the environmental impact of methacrylate manufacturing.
PMMA chemical recycling is increasingly seen as a critical solution for addressing plastic waste while maintaining high material performance. Unlike mechanical recycling, chemical recycling enables the recovery of monomers at a purity level suitable for reuse in demanding industrial applications. This approach aligns with broader European circular economy policies and growing market demand for sustainable materials.
NXRe Technology and Its Role in PMMA Chemical Recycling
At the center of the assessment is NEXTCHEM’s proprietary NXRe technology. NXRe is a molten metal depolymerisation process designed for the continuous chemical recycling of PMMA. The technology enables both pre-consumer and post-consumer PMMA waste to be converted into high-purity recycled methyl methacrylate, commonly referred to as r-MMA.
The modular design of the NXRe system allows it to be integrated efficiently into existing industrial sites. For the Worms facility, the proposed plant is designed to process approximately 5,000 tonnes of PMMA waste per year. Full integration with Röhm’s current PMMA production operations would allow recycled MMA to be reintroduced directly into the manufacturing cycle, supporting a truly circular PMMA value chain.
Environmental Benefits and Carbon Footprint Reduction
Lifecycle assessments indicate that MMA produced through the NXRe process can achieve a carbon footprint reduction of more than 90 percent compared with conventional virgin MMA production routes. This significant improvement is primarily achieved by replacing fossil-based feedstocks with PMMA waste classified as Secondary Raw Material.
In addition to lowering greenhouse gas emissions, PMMA chemical recycling through NXRe avoids environmental impacts associated with raw material extraction, transportation, and refining. It also reduces waste disposal requirements, helping manufacturers meet stricter environmental regulations while responding to customer expectations for low-carbon products.
Advancing Commercial Deployment of PMMA Chemical Recycling
The award of this feasibility study represents another important step toward the commercial deployment and licensing of NXRe technology for PMMA chemical recycling. NEXTCHEM is positioning NXRe as a scalable and industrially proven solution capable of supporting large-scale circular economy initiatives across the plastics and specialty chemicals sectors.
In parallel with the Röhm project, NEXTCHEM is advancing the construction of its first industrial-scale NXRe plant in Italy. This facility is currently under development and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The Italian plant will serve as a reference point for future projects, demonstrating the reliability and economic viability of NXRe technology in real-world industrial settings.
Strategic Partnership and Industry Collaboration
Fabio Fritelli, Managing Director of NEXTCHEM, highlighted that NXRe plays a central role in the company’s sustainable materials strategy. He emphasized that collaboration with industry leaders such as Röhm is essential for accelerating the transition from pilot projects to full-scale industrial adoption of PMMA chemical recycling technologies.
Partnerships between technology providers and established chemical producers are increasingly recognized as a key driver of the low-carbon transition. By combining NEXTCHEM’s process expertise with Röhm’s global manufacturing footprint, the project aims to set a benchmark for sustainable methacrylate production in Europe and beyond.
MAIRE and NEXTCHEM in the Energy Transition
MAIRE SpA is a global engineering and technology group focused on supporting the energy transition. The company delivers integrated engineering and construction solutions for the downstream sector, alongside sustainable technology offerings across three core areas: sustainable fertilizers, low-carbon energy carriers, and circular economy solutions.
Operating in around 50 countries, MAIRE employs nearly 10,500 people and is supported by approximately 50,000 professionals engaged in projects worldwide. NEXTCHEM operates as MAIRE’s sustainable technology arm, developing and commercializing innovative solutions such as PMMA chemical recycling to help industrial clients reduce emissions and improve resource efficiency. MAIRE is publicly listed on the Milan Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MAIRE.
More …
