Recycling: Sika/Sulzer in jv to recycle plastics in construction sector; Agilyx jv Plastyx achieves 75% of waste plastic sourcing goal

Under a MoU signed, Swiss firms Sika and Sulzer will establish a joint venture to advance plastics recycling in the construction industry. The aim is to combine the strengths of both companies to establish pilot plants in Germany, Austria, Switzerland for chemical and mechanical recycling to start up in the second half of 2025. The joint venture will combine Sika's expertise in polymer applications and building materials and Sulzer's process knowledge in chemical recycling. The joint venture, based in the Zurich area, will be founded as an independent company, with each partner holding a 50% stake.

Approximately 2 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated in the European construction industry alone each year. Currently, recycling these complex materials is highly fragmented, technically demanding, and often inefficient. As a result, the majority of construction plastics are disposed by the end of their lifecycle, since existing mechanical recycling methods produce low-quality materials that are not suitable for reuse.

With this joint venture, Sika and Sulzer are developing a system for the collection, processing and reuse of construction plastics using mechanical and chemical processes. 

The joint venture between Sika and Sulzer will close gaps in the value chain of the construction industry, and offer customers a comprehensive, cost-efficient service package. The offering will be complemented by local partners, such as logistics and recycling companies, which will be integrated into specific process steps. Recycled materials will thus be reincorporated into the manufacturing process.

In other news, Agilyx ASA announced its joint venture Plastyx Ltd has reached 75% of its near-term objective to source and execute MOUs for 200,000 tonnes of waste plastic by the end of 2025. As of today, it has executed MOUs for 150,000 tonnes of waste plastics.

At this rate, Plastyx says it is likely to double its target and help advanced recycling growth by developing partnerships and material processing capabilities to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality polymers for food-grade and other high-performance packaging applications.

Agilyx ASA is at the forefront of advanced recycling, converting post-use plastics into high-value feedstock and virgin-equivalent products. Through Cyclyx, its joint venture with ExxonMobil (25%) and LyondellBasell (25%), Agilyx supports the collection and processing of post-use plastic waste into custom-formulated, high-quality feedstock solutions for global plastic producers.

Through Plastyx, its joint venture with Circular Resources (40%), Agilyx provides critical European-sourced feedstock to the global mechanical and advanced recycling markets.

Additionally, Agilyx markets TruStyrenyx, a polystyrene advanced recycling solution that combines its Styrenyx depolymerisation technology with Technip Energies' purification process. By advancing from a linear "make-take-waste" model to a circular economy, Agilyx adds it is advancing the transition to a low-carbon future.

SUBSCRIBE to Get the Latest Updates from PRA    Click Here»