BUSINESS

business

PolyStyreneLoop is based on an innovative business model with a distruptive technology and a scalable solution.

Innovative business model

 

PolyStyreneLoop is organised as a cooperative with over 70 members and supporters across the PS-foam value chain. On voluntary basis we have come together to work on a sustainable solution for PS-foam demolition waste containing HBCD. It is unique that a whole sector comes like this but we believe that only by working together and building on each other’s strength can we succeed. PolyStyreneLoop accepts PS-foam demolition waste containing HBCD and sells Loop-PS only to members and supporters of the cooperative, giving them access to a sustainable market. Companies joining the PolyStyreneLoop cooperative show that they contribute to a transition towards a Circular Economy.

Disruptive technology

visualisation

PolyStyreneLoop offers a disruptive technology based on the CreaSolv® Process, a Solvent-based Purification (extraction) allowing the separation of polystyrene from the legislated HBCD flame-retardant and the subsequent recovery of bromine. The bromine is then re-used to produce new polymeric flame retardants applied in insulation products made from the recyclate Loop-PS. Choosing PolyStyreneLoop means a significant reduction (47%) of the carbon foot print by saving valuable resources.

Scalable solution

The first PolyStyreneLoop plant with an annual capacity of 3,300 tons is located in Terneuzen, the Netherlands. This plant will demonstrate the economic and technical feasibility of recycling PS-foam demolition waste containing HBCD. The plant in Terneuzen will however not be able to treat all the PS-foam demolition waste containing HBCD in Europe. In 2018 it was estimated that 81,000 tons were generated, while in 2050 this will have increased to 150,000 tons. In order to properly treat this urban mine many more plants will be built across Europe in the years to come.