With an end goal of keeping polystyrene products out of landfills through an innovative circular recycling process, AmSty is announcing its commitment that all products designed for foodservice and food packaging applications will contain 25 percent recycled content by 2030. The leading integrated producer of polystyrene and styrene monomer continues to reach milestones toward this goal with its circular recycling process operating commercially at Regenyx LLC, its joint venture with Agilyx Corporation.

 

Regenyx is achieving this circular recycling breakthrough using technology that breaks down polystyrene products to their original molecular form. The resulting styrene monomer is then used to create the exact same products again, with original quality and function. Since start-up, Regenyx has converted more than one million pounds of used polystyrene to all-new materials. That’s equivalent to keeping 37.5 million foam cups or 32.5 million takeout containers out of the landfill.

 

Soon, circular recycling will become a reality on a much larger scale. AmSty has partnered with Ineos Styrolution to construct a 100 ton per day facility in Channahon, Illinois. Engineering design for the facility in the greater Chicago area is under way.

 

“It is time for circular technology to scale up and truly make a difference in plastics becoming sustainable,” said Tim Barnette, Vice President – Polymers and Sustainability at AmSty. “Polystyrene is the only plastic resin material that can be converted back to a liquid monomer, making it simple to be re-formed into new, original-quality products. As disposable items are needed, they should be made from the most sustainable material available. Now, perhaps more than ever, disposable items like food packaging, take-out containers and utensils are necessary as consumers focus on personal hygiene, health, and safety. Our customers require packaging that is both safe and sustainable, and we are committed to helping achieve their goals by restoring polystyrene through circular recycling.”

 

AmSty’s vision of keeping all polystyrene out of landfills will be a heavy lift, admits Barnette. It will require collaboration with cities and states to create infrastructure that makes it easy for consumers to participate. Collection infrastructure must be overhauled so that mixed plastic waste can be sorted, processed and made ready for circular recycling.

 

“AmSty is fully committed to circular recycling of polystyrene,” said Dr. Randy Pogue, President and Chief Executive Officer at AmSty. “Our Regenyx facility has proven that sustainable long-term solutions for our products are possible. That fuels our excitement for the Channahon facility and the meaningful advancement it will bring for polystyrene as a circular recycled product. While AmSty is building important momentum with its polystyrene goals, the hope is that one day all plastics will be recycled using circular solutions.”