Supercritical CO₂ – Supercritical CO₂: A Promising Frontier in Plastic Recycling? In France’s Plastics Valley, the IPC Technical Centre (Institut des Polymères et Composites) pioneers a third recycling pathway to purify plastics for high-value reuse 12-04-2025 - Archive
Supercritical CO₂
Supercritical CO₂: A Promising Frontier in Plastic Recycling?
In France’s Plastics Valley, the IPC Technical Centre (Institut des Polymères et Composites) pioneers a third recycling pathway to purify plastics for high-value reuse
In the heart of France’s Plastics Valley, near Lyon, a transformative innovation is taking shape. The IPC Technical Centre (Institut des Polymères et Composites) in Oyonnax, with industry association Polyvia, is testing a promising new process for purifying recycled plastics. Using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂), this method could complement and enhance existing recycling technologies. This innovation aims to help industry meet ambitious regulatory targets and transition toward a truly circular plastic economy. Supercritical CO₂
Plastics: Problems and Opportunity
Plastic pollution is one of the defining environmental challenges of our time. From ecosystem degradation to threats to human health, plastics have accumulated in terrestrial and marine environments, including the infamous Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Many of these materials may persist for up to 1,000 years.
Yet, despite increasing regulation and consumer awareness, plastic production continues to rise. The industry is not aiming to eliminate plastics, but rather to render their life cycle more sustainable and circular. Whether this is realistic remains debated—but in France’s Plastics Valley, efforts are underway to make it possible. Supercritical CO₂
Trinseo and MagREEsource Partner to Advance High-Value Recycling
Trinseo and MagREEsource have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore a joint approach to innovative, high-value recycling. The partnership aims to combine Trinseo’s advanced polymer dissolution technology with MagREEsource’s rare earth magnet recycling process.
Trinseo’s physical recycling method efficiently recovers polycarbonate (PC) from end-of-life products, even those with mixed or contaminated materials, with minimal sorting. This process enables the production of new materials while reducing the product carbon footprint by over 70% compared to virgin plastic. Non-PC materials, including embedded magnets, remain available for further recovery. Supercritical CO₂
This dual-recycling approach is especially suited for products containing both PC and neodymium (NdFeB) magnets—essential components in electric vehicles, wind turbines, and industrial automation.
“The synergy between Trinseo’s and MagREEsource’s technologies represents a shared commitment to sustainability,” said Han Hendriks, Chief Technology and Sustainability Officer at Trinseo. “Collaborative innovation like this is key to driving change.”
Eric Petit, CEO and co-founder of MagREEsource, added, “The collaboration supports our supply chain by transforming byproducts from Trinseo’s process into feedstock for our MagFactory. We aim to produce 1,000 tons of magnets annually, with construction beginning in late 2026.” Supercritical CO₂
The alliance marks a significant step toward circularity in high-performance materials and sustainable manufacturing.
Mitsubishi Chemical is expanding its flame retardant compound production in China and France to meet rising demand from the cable industry
New production lines will be installed at its Jiangsu (China) and Tiffauges (France) plants, focusing on polyolefin and thermoplastic elastomer materials.
This expansion targets growing demand from the automotive, telecommunications, construction, and gas sectors. The increased capacity will support cable sheathing and other applications.
The Jiangsu plant, operated by Mitsubishi Chemical Performance Polymers, will have the new lines operational by April of this year. The Tiffauges plant’s expansion is expected to be completed by January 2026. This strategic move aims to strengthen Mitsubishi Chemical’s position in the flame retardant compound market. Supercritical CO₂
Live from Brazil: How Innovation Is Driving Global Packaging Trends
Despite economic and logistical challenges, Brazil has emerged as a global leader in sustainable, high-performance packaging, driven by innovation, circularity, and smart design.
At the World Plastic Connection Summit in São Paulo today, João Henrique Alves, innovation director for plastics producer Valgroup, shared how Brazil is transforming adversity into leadership in global packaging innovation. Said Alves, from economic instability and logistical challenges to a position at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions, the country’s journey is one of resilience, ingenuity, and forward-thinking technology. “Each region of the world has its challenges, and Brazil is no different,” Alves began. “We are the fifth largest country in the world by territory. But we are separated by five regions that have geographical conditions that make logistics a little difficult, such as mountains, lakes, large rivers, large regions of forest that need to be bypassed or crossed so that we can distribute products.” Supercritical CO₂
Traditional brands use technology to meet modern demand
In an era of abundant consumer choices, traditional Chinese fashion brands are redefining their market presence by blending heritage with innovation. At the recent Shanghai Fashion Week, two iconic labels — Threegun and EP Yaying — demonstrated how time-honored brands can thrive in the modern marketplace by balancing traditional style with contemporary appeal.
Threegun, a legacy brand founded in 1937 known for its cotton underwear, marked its 88th anniversary with a retro-themed showcase at Shanghai Fashion Week. The brand’s theme Past, Present, and Future highlighted its evolution from functional intimates to versatile fashion essentials. Supercritical CO₂
“We recognized a shift in consumer behavior where younger generations seek clothing that offers both inner comfort and outer style,” says Chen Jiaorong, general manager of Shanghai Dragon Corporation, the parent company of Threegun.
To meet this demand, the brand leveraged advanced technologies, developing multifunctional materials such as moisture-wicking, antibacterial, and ultra-thin textiles. These innovations allow Threegun’s garments to serve a dual purpose — foundational layers or stand-alone outerwear. Supercritical CO₂
SFI and The LYCRA Company Revolutionize Denim with LYCRA FitSense® Denim Technology, Launching Production in the Western Hemisphere
Star Fades International (SFI), a leader in denim innovation, and The LYCRA Company, a global pioneer in developing fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, today announced a groundbreaking collaboration: LYCRA FitSense® denim technology. This targeted shaping solution denim, designed to enhance comfort and fit, will be offered for production at SFI’s facility in Los Angeles and the new Artistic Milliners Mexico facility, bringing cutting-edge technology closer to brands and consumers.Patented technology is a revolutionary innovation for denim. Supercritical CO₂
This unique technology provides targeted support and shaping in key areas while allowing unrestricted movement and superior comfort. The result is a garment that looks great and offers an exceptional wearing experience by adapting to the body for a personalized fit.“We are thrilled to partner with The LYCRA Company to bring LYCRA FitSense® denim technology to the Western Hemisphere,” said Murtaza Ahmed, Co-Founder of SFI and director at Artistic Milliners.
