About PolyStyreneLoop
 
The aim of the PolyStyreneLoop project is to build and operate a large-scale demonstration plant that provides a sustainable, closed-loop route for the recycling of polystyrene (PS) insulation foam waste containing HBCDD, and for the recovery of bromine.
 
Funding secured for the demonstration plant
 
44 entities from 13 different countries have committed so far to the PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative. 
  • The amounts raised (1.6 + 0.5 million €) meet the conditions for the granting of the subsidy of 2.7 million € over 4 years under the EU LIFE programme
  • The deadline of 20 June for the reception of financial contributions was met, therefore RABO bank confirmed its loan of 4.5 million € to the project.

Funding is thus now firmly established for this first concrete step in the PS foam value chain commitment to a more circular economy.

Download the list of members
 
 
A business entity with a demonstration objective
 

The PolyStyreneLoop project aims to demonstrate the technical, environmental and business feasibility of polystyrene foam recycling and bromine recovery in a circular economy framework. While the overall project management is in the hands of the non-profit PolyStyreneLoop Foundation, the operational side of the project (demo plant set up and operation) is handled by a Cooperative under Dutch law, a flexible legal structure enabling it to develop on a membership basis . 

The Cooperative has a clear business purpose; this entails benefits and obligations for its members, be they trade associations or individual companies.

  • The PolyStyreneLoop logo demonstrates commitment to a circular economy ideal. Only members of the cooperative are allowed to use it.  This means that companies that are part of a trade association contributing to the Cooperative cannot use the logo on their own - unless they are themselves a direct, contributing member of the Cooperative.
  • Another key membership advantage is that the use of EPS made from PolyStyreneLoop material will be available to members of the Cooperative.  This will for example allow members to participate in construction or other projects that require the use of proven circular materials.    
Legal set-up
The bye-laws for the PolyStyreneLoop Cooperative are being drafted.  A detailed anti-trust check by the law firm Loyens & Loeff concluded that there are no competition policy issues associated with the Cooperative.  This extensive assessment was sent to all supporting entities.
A first AGM of the Cooperative should be held in October.
 
Staffing
 

Toine Janssen has been recruited as plant manager, effective July 1st, 2017.

A former naval engineer officer and a mechanical engineer by training, Toine is an experienced manager of SMEs, notably in the plastics sector. He aslo held positions of plant manager at different production companies. 

Toine will be involved in the organisational structure and the construction of the PS Loop Plant. His experience with processes and cost-effective manufacturing will no doubt contribute to the success of this demonstration plant.

 
 
Engineering and business update

Planning and permitting

The 4 year project (2017-2021) is in the operational planning phase, and permit preparations have started.  A first draft project plan is being finalised, and a detailed timeline is being prepared. The start up and testing phase is planned for the second half of 2018.

Technology

The demo plant will use the CreaSolv© dissolution process, a technology developed by Fraunhofer –IVV. Contracts and supply agreements with Fraunhofer–IVV and CreaCycle (CreaSolv® solvent supplier) are being finalised. 

Commercial aspects

A first contract for 1200 mtons/yr of compacted materials from Germany is already in place., thus providing a secure initial flow of waste material. 

PS foam waste collection system

The demonstration plant will require a reliable flow of PS foam waste to operate. Demolition, sorting, compacting and transportation of PS Foam waste are the key issues to address in this respect.

 

LCA perspective

TÜV is finalising a Life-Cycle Assessment of PolyStyreneLoop, under the leadership of BASF. 

Preliminary findings show that the use of the CreaSolv® process for the purpose of recycling PS foam requires only 15% of the energy used to process virgin materials. This significantly reduces CO2 emissions, and decreases the use of other materials having a substantial impact on environment.  The LCA study is currently under critical review by independent experts.  Finalisation of this process is expected in September.

 
PolyStyreneLoop dissolution process now a valid waste treatment technique under the Basel convention
 

The Basel Convention (1989) focuses on the preservation of human health and the environment against the effects of hazardous wastes.

Since May 2017, the Basel Convention General Technical Guidelines recognise the PolyStyreneLoop dissolution process as a valid pre-treatment process for PS foam waste for the separation of Polystyrene and HBCDD. 

 
 

 

Along with incineration, the process is also included as one of the best available waste treatment techniques with regard to the destruction of HBCDD.

This new framework ensures global long-tem regulatory stability, an essential condition for the development of the PolyStyreneLoop project.    

 
About this newsletter
 
This information document is addressed to the PolyStyreneLoop project partners and stakeholders.       It provides regular updates on the project and its key developments.