Total and Polystyvert in PS Recycling Pact – France oil major Total S.A. is teaming with Montreal-based clean technology startup Polystyvert Inc. to advance the recycling of polystyrene – Total Polystyvert PS Recycling Pact postconsumer polystyrene - Arhive

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Total joins forces with Montreal-based Polystyvert on recycling of post-consumer polystyrene

Total Polystyvert PS Recycling Pact postconsumer polystyrene France oil major Total S.A. is teaming with Montreal-based clean technology startup Polystyvert Inc. to advance the recycling of polystyrene.The Polymers Business unit of Total signed a deal this week to work with Polystyvert on the dissolution and purification of household post-consumer polystyrene.

A synthetic aromatic hydrocarbon polymer made from the monomer styrene, polystyrene can be solid or foamed and is used to make a wide variety of consumer products, from food packaging to toys, automobile parts. It is also used in home and appliance insulation. Household post-consumer plastics such as polystyrene often contain contaminants that make mechanical recycling difficult or not practical.

The combination of Polystyvert’s innovative technology and Total’s knowhow in industrial-scale dissolution and polymerization technologies should generate high-quality recyclates addressing a broad range of polystyrene market requirements, the companies said.

Polystyvert’s low-carbon-footprint method for recycling polystyrene is based on a dissolution process. The process produces recyclates, which can be used in a broader range of market applications than recyclates produced through mechanical recycling methods.

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Polystyvert on this ambitious and exciting journey,” Jean Viallefont, VP Polymers Europe, Total Refining & Chemicals, said in a statement. “In 2017, Total performed three successful test runs with post-consumer recyclates incorporated in virgin polymer via dissolution and polymerization. Working with Polystyvert to tackle household post-consumer waste is the next logical step for Total.”

Polystyvert’s technology addresses a major global environmental issue, since large quantities of post-consumer or post-industrial polystyrene waste are buried in landfills every year, while more and more new polystyrene is produced, the company said.

“Collaborating with Total on household waste will accelerate the industrial development of our technology for global markets and demonstrate its suitability to address any type of polystyrene stream,” added Solenne Brouard, founder and CEO of Polystyvert.

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