News & Insights

Introduction Pyrolysis oils distilled from mixed plastic waste offer a potential goldmine for circularity, but only if they are upgraded to meet the stringent purity demands of modern chemical plants and refineries. This essential upgrade step hydrotreating is delivered at its most effective by Sulzer’s advanced MaxFlux™ technology. Why hydrotreat pyrolysis oil? Unpurified pyrolysis oil contains high levels of sulfur, nitrogen, halogens (like chlorine), oxygenates, and metals

Introduction One of the critical hurdles in advanced plastic recycling via pyrolysis is efficient quenching the fast cooling of hot pyrolysis vapors to prevent secondary reactions and degradation. Sulzer’s PyroCon™ technology delivers breakthrough rapid condensation and anti-fouling design, boosting both product quality and process reliability. How PyroCon™ technology works Ultra-Fast Quenching: PyroCon™ rapidly cools pyrolysis gases immediately after they’re generated, halti

Introduction Plastic pollution is a mounting global crisis, with millions of tons of waste entering landfills and the environment every year. Advanced chemical recycling especially pyrolysis offers a breakthrough path to convert even the most mixed and contaminated plastics into valuable resources. But the true transformation happens with Sulzer’s advanced purification technologies, designed to process pyrolysis oil (Pyoil) into market-ready, high-specification hydrocarbon st

Introduction EcoStyrene™ is not just a laboratory breakthrough it’s moving the needle in real industrial environments, catalyzing a transformation in polystyrene (PS) recycling and circularity for global value chains. As brand owners, converters, and waste managers grapple with escalating sustainability demands, EcoStyrene™ provides a scalable, robust, and commercially viable solution to previously unrecyclable polystyrene waste. Market deployments and industry adoption Comme

Introduction EcoStyrene™, Sulzer’s advanced chemical recycling technology, is redefining how industries handle contaminated polystyrene waste. By transforming even severely contaminated PS into pure styrene monomer, EcoStyrene™ delivers impressive gains in both sustainability and operational economics helping operators and brands meet increasing recycling targets and regulatory demands. Key economic benefits Broad Feedstock Acceptance: processes low-value, contaminated PS (wi

Introduction Polystyrene is everywhere used for food packaging, electronics, insulation, and more. Yet for decades, most polystyrene waste has ended up incinerated or landfilled, largely because it’s difficult to recycle contaminated or colored PS, and mechanical recycling offers only low-value, downcycled output. Sulzer EcoStyrene™ is changing the narrative, opening the door for truly circular, high-grade recycling even for the dirtiest, most contaminated polystyrene streams

Introduction The dream of a circular economy in plastics depends on technologies that can recycle post-consumer waste back into materials with virgin-quality performance. For polystyrene widely used in packaging, electronics, and construction contamination and additives have historically blocked true recycling. Sulzer EcoStyrene™ is fundamentally changing the game, converting even contaminated polystyrene into styrene monomer suitable for food-grade and high-spec applications

Introduction Polystyrene (PS) is everywhere from food packaging and disposable cups to insulation panels and electronics. Yet PS recycling has long lagged behind other plastics, primarily due to high levels of contamination and the technical difficulty of purifying waste-derived styrene. Sulzer’s EcoStyrene™ technology is redefining what’s possible: turning even heavily contaminated polystyrene waste into ultra-high purity styrene monomer, closing the loop for circular, food-

Introduction True circularity in plastics recycling means turning waste into raw materials that are as good as new ready for repeated use in polymer production, rather than being downcycled or disposed of. Sulzer’s MaxFlux™ hydrotreating technology makes this leap possible. By flexibly and efficiently upgrading mixed plastic pyrolysis oils (PPO), MaxFlux™ enables the production of high-grade naphtha, completing the loop for plastics-to-plastics recycling. How MaxFlux™ drives

Introduction Plastics are woven into the fabric of modern life, but plastic waste is one of the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. As governments, consumers, and industries push for true circularity, advanced solutions for transforming waste plastics into valuable resources are more critical than ever. Sulzer’s MaxFlux™ hydrotreating technology stands at the forefront of this movement, enabling the efficient and economical upgrading of plastic pyrolysis oils (PP

Introduction Capital expenditures (CAPEX) are a major consideration for any chemical recycling project. High equipment costs can delay returns on investment and slow the adoption of advanced recycling technologies. Sulzer’s PyroCon™ quenching technology is engineered to address this challenge, offering a unique design that minimizes CAPEX while delivering reliable, high-performance operation for pyrolysis plants. The CAPEX challenge in pyrolysis Traditional quenching systems

Introduction Energy efficiency is a top priority for modern pyrolysis and chemical recycling plants. With rising energy costs and increasing sustainability demands, operators are seeking solutions that optimize thermal management and reduce utility bills. Sulzer’s PyroCon™ quenching technology stands out by integrating advanced heat recovery, enabling plants to maximize energy efficiency and profitability. The energy challenge in pyrolysis Pyrolysis processes require rapid co

Introduction As the demand for high-quality recycled plastics grows, chemical recyclers are seeking innovative ways to boost monomer recovery from polystyrene (PS) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The key to maximizing yield and profitability lies in precise process control and advanced quenching technology. Sulzer’s PyroCon™ offers a breakthrough solution, enabling recyclers to achieve higher monomer yields and more sustainable operations. The challenge: efficient monomer

Introduction Fouling is one of the most persistent and costly challenges in pyrolysis and chemical recycling plants. When solids accumulate in quenching systems, they can cause blockages, disrupt operations, and lead to frequent shutdowns for cleaning and maintenance. Sulzer’s PyroCon™ technology offers a breakthrough solution, specifically engineered to prevent fouling and keep your plant running smoothly and profitably. The problem: fouling in traditional quenching systems

Introduction Chemical recycling is a cornerstone of the circular economy, offering a path to transform plastic and bio-waste into valuable raw materials. However, one persistent challenge in pyrolysis the process at the heart of chemical recycling is effective quenching. Traditional quenching systems often struggle with fouling and inefficient cooling, which can compromise product quality and plant profitability. Sulzer’s PyroCon™ quenching technology is changing the game, de