LyondellBasell has acquired APK AG, a German company founded in 2008 that specializes in solvent-based recycling technology for low-density polyethylene (LDPE). This technology efficiently separates and purifies polymers from hard-to-recycle flexible plastic waste. Hard-to-recycle flexible plastic waste materials today make up the majority of mixed plastic waste from the consumer sector.
The solvent-based technology for LDPE involves dissolving the mixture in a solvent that selectively dissolves LDPE while leaving other materials undissolved. The mixture is then processed to separate the dissolved LDPE from the remaining materials. The dissolved LDPE is precipitated out of the solvent, and the solvent is recycled and reused. The recovered LDPE is then purified to remove any residual impurities. The technology produces recycled materials with a high degree of purity, “pure granulates that have virgin-like properties”, as the company says, suitable for new flexible packaging of, for example, personal care products.
LyondellBasell believes that APK’s solvent-based recycling technology is a perfect fit with its existing mechanical and advanced recycling technologies. It has invested in the company in the past and is working together to bring the technology to scale. The materials produced will be sold under the LYB Circulen portfolio.
- APK AG, Merseburg, Germany
- LyondellBasell (LYB), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
