November 1, 2024

Trinseo Granted Patent for Dissolution Recycling Technology

Great news! Trinseo's patent application for its dissolution-based polymer recycling technology was granted by the U.S. Patent Office in July 2024. This milestone not only underscores Trinseo's leadership in sustainable solutions but also marks a significant advancement in polymer recycling. Our cutting-edge technology will empower partners in the toys, consumer electronics, and automotive industries to take big steps toward circularity. The granted patent also opens the door for industrial collaboration, enabling the technology's implementation through licensing agreements. Dissolution-based polymer recycling plays a pivotal role in efficiently recovering high-quality polymers from mixed or contaminated plastic waste streams. Unlike traditional mechanical recycling—which requires pre-sorted and well-defined streams by polymer types, colors, and physical properties—dissolution-based methods can handle much broader contamination levels. This is achieved through the selective dissolution of specific polymers and components. By separating target polymers from additives, dyes, and other contaminants, the purified polymer retains its original properties, making it suitable for high-value applications.

By enhancing the quality and range of recyclable plastics, dissolution-based recycling supports a circular economy and reduces reliance on virgin plastic production. Trinseo's proprietary dissolution-based recycling technologies enable up to 80% reduction in CO₂ equivalent emissions based on calculations and compared to traditional linear model for virgin materials. Carbon footprint benefit is largely due to the elimination of fossil-based raw material productions and the prevention of incineration at end of life.

'This patent is just another exciting step on Trinseo's journey toward bringing circularity to life', Han Hendriks, CTO and CSO said. It complements other commitments we've made—such as the recently inaugurated PC-dissolution facility in Terneuzen, our upcoming startup of an ABS dissolution-recycling pilot also in Terneuzen, Netherlands, and the PMMA depolymerization facility in Rho, Italy. Together, we're shaping a more sustainable and vibrant future!