Polymer Recycling Industry
At Sulzer, we support the polymer recycling industry with advanced process technologies that convert end-of-life plastics into high-quality feedstocks. Our solutions enable circularity, reduce carbon emissions, and offer scalable, economically viable recycling operations. With deep expertise in separation and purification, we help customers close the loop on plastic waste and move toward net-zero goals.
Driving Circularity in the Polymer Industry
The global demand for sustainable plastic solutions is accelerating. As industries seek to reduce their environmental footprint, polymer recycling has emerged as a key enabler of circularity. Advanced recycling methods such as pyrolysis, depolymerization, and solvent-based processes offer the potential to recover valuable hydrocarbons from mixed and contaminated plastic waste. However, achieving consistent product quality, economic viability, and low carbon intensity remains a challenge. Success depends on reliable, high-performance technologies that can purify recycled outputs to virgin-like standards and integrate seamlessly into existing production ecosystems.
Operating in polymer recycling sector means addressing multiple, interconnected challenges:
Advanced Recycling Technologies
Transform mixed plastics into high-quality feedstocks with pyrolysis, depolymerization, and solvent-based processes.
Scalable & Efficient Designs
Cut emissions and costs with modular, energy-optimized process solutions.
High-Purity Separation
Deliver virgin-like quality through advanced purification and separation systems.
End-to-End Expertise
From concept to implementation, we ensure reliable and profitable recycling operations.
We offer end-to-end process solutions that enable the transformation of mixed plastic waste into high-value products such as monomers, naphtha, and waxes. Our technologies support multiple recycling pathways including pyrolysis, PET and polystyrene recycling, and solvent-based recovery tailored to specific feedstocks and operational needs.
Our advanced separation and purification systems ensure consistent product quality, while integrated process designs help reduce energy consumption and emissions. Our testing capabilities allow for optimization under real-world conditions, ensuring reliable performance and economic viability. Whether implemented as modular units or fully integrated systems, our solutions provide the flexibility, efficiency, and sustainability needed to scale polymer recycling operations and meet evolving regulatory and market demands.
Main applications of polymer recycling industry
Styrenics & Aromatic Polymers
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Polystyrene waste
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Recycled styrene monomer
Pyrolysis-Related Streams
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Pyrolysis gas quenching
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Pyrolysis oil purification
Monomers & Intermediates
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Ethylbenzene
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Styrene
Solvents for Polymer Processing
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DCM
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Toluene
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Ethyl Acetate
Explore our solutions for polymer recycling industry
Circularity
Advanced plastics recycling
Reliability
Uninterrupted production
Explore some of our success stories for polymer recycling industry
Polymer Recycling
Antwerp, Belgium
Indaver’s Plastics2Chemicals plant recycling 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually
Challenge:
Enable large-scale chemical recycling of polystyrene and post-consumer plastics, which are typically non-recyclable, while ensuring safe depolymerization and purification of chemical feedstock for reuse in manufacturing.
Solution:
Sulzer provided advanced separation technology and proprietary processes, supported by extensive pilot testing at its Allschwil facility. Delivered four specialized units for purification of styrene and oil fractions, ensuring high-quality recovered monomers for packaging applications.
Technology:
Results:
The Plastics2Chemicals plant will reclaim and purify 30,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year, producing pure chemical feedstock for new products like chocolate foils and yogurt pots. This project sets a benchmark for polymer circularity.
Polymer Recycling
Germany
Sulzer provides a cutting-edge rapid quenching technology for plastic pyrolysis oil
Challenge:
A plastics pyrolysis plant faced severe fouling in its quenching system, causing frequent shutdowns and high maintenance costs, while needing to maintain oil quality and minimize CAPEX.
Solution:
Implemented Sulzer PyroCon™ single-step quenching system with optimized liquid distribution and anti-fouling design, delivered as a compact, stainless-steel unit to upgrade the existing setup.
Technology:
Results:
Eliminated fouling-related downtime, improved pyrolysis oil yield, ensured continuous operation since mid-2021, and enhanced profitability with reliable, low-maintenance performance.
150+ Years Experience
Proven track record in chemical process engineering and equipment manufacturing.
Global Presence
Worldwide support network with local expertise and rapid response capabilities.
Quality Assurance
ISO certified processes and rigorous quality control for reliable, safe operations.