closing the loop
PolyStyreneLoop contributes to the Circular Economy by recycling polystyrene (PS) foam demolition waste containing the legislated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). The Solvent- based Purification (SBP) process developed by CreaCycle GmbH and Fraunhofer IVV separates HBCD from the PS allowing the recycling of PS to be used for new insulation materials. The bromine in the HBCD is recovered by the Bromine Recovery Unit (BRU) of ICL after safe destruction of HBCD. The bromine is re-used to produce new polymeric flame retardants to be applied in insulation products made from the recyclate Loop-PS.
Uncompacted material at HUB location
Compacted and loaded into truck
PolyStyreneLoop produces Loop-PS recyclate which is sold to members and supporters who then use it as feedstock to produce new insulation products.
PolyStyreneLoop produces Loop-PS recyclate which is sold to members and supporters who then use it as feedstock to produce new insulation products.
life cycle assessment
A life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted by TüV Rheinland to assess how PolyStyreneLoop compares to incineration. The study showed that the carbon foot print is almost halved when choosing PolyStyreneLoop. For every ton PS-foam treated by PolyStyreneLoop the equivalent to 3 ton CO2 are saved.
Solution for XPS with (H)CFCs
XPS produced before 2002 contains CFCs and (H)CFCs as blowing agents, making this waste a hazardous waste. PolyStyreneLoop works on a pre-treatment for this waste stream allowing the safe release and capture of the (H)CFCs. Afterwards the XPS plates can undergo the CreaSolv® Process to separate the HBCD from the PS.
