• Successful proof of concept for production of ABS from recycled feedstock
  • Up to 30% reduction in greenhouse gas footprint
  • The ABSolutely Circular project paves the way for a more sustainable production of ABS benefiting from advanced recycling technologies


Indaver, a leader in sustainable waste management and INEOS Styrolution, global leader in styrenics, announced today the first production of “ABrS”, i.e. ABS[1] with the styrene component based on recycled feedstock.

The production of ABrS is a significant milestone in the project, funded by the EU LIFE programme, the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and resource efficiency.

The first 10 kilogrammes of ABrS were produced at the INEOS Styrolution laboratory in Cologne, Germany. The material was subsequently processed at INEOS Styrolution’s R&D partner Neue Materialien Bayreuth GmbH. Initial testing of the material at the INEOS Styrolution laboratory in Cologne, Germany, did not show any measurable differences to native material.

Production of ABrS offers up to 30% lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to production of native ABS.

Petra Inghelbrecht, project leader for the ABSolutely Circular research project, comments: “The first production of ABrS at lab scale is a successful proof of concept. With the upcoming construction of a polystyrene recycling plant and an ABrS mini-plant in Antwerp becoming operational, we will be able to make another significant step forward towards production of ABS from recycled feedstock at commercial scale.”

For more information on the project, see related press releases[2] or visit https://absolutely-circular.com/.

About Indaver

Indaver is a European player in the waste industry with plants and operations in Belgium, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and the United Kingdom. Indaver manages and treats industrial and household waste in specialist facilities for the industrial industry, waste collectors and governments. Indaver recovers valuable raw materials and energy from these treated waste streams. By doing so, Indaver is creating value from waste and helping to close the materials loop in a safe, low carbon and energy-efficient manner, which makes Indaver the ideal partner in the pursuit of a sustainable circular economy. In 2020, Indaver achieved a turnover of 600 million euros with approximately 1,900 staff throughout Europe.

More information: www.indaver.com or www.indaver.com/plasticstochemicals


[1] ABS: Acylonitrile Butadiene Styrene

[2] https://www.ineos-styrolution.com/news/Indaver-and-INEOS-Styrolution-Project-to-demonstrate-production-of-ABS-plastic-from-recycled-feedstock-receives-funding-by-the-European-Union and https://www.ineos-styrolution.com/news/INEOS-Styrolution-plans-to-build-a-demonstration-polymerisation-plant-for-production-of-ABS-plastic-from-recycled-feedstock 

ABOUT INEOS STYROLUTION

INEOS Styrolution is the leading global styrenics supplier, with a focus on styrene monomer, polystyrene, ABS Standard and styrenic specialties. With world-class production facilities and more than 90 years of experience, INEOS Styrolution helps its customers succeed by offering solutions, designed to give them a competitive edge in their markets. At the same time, these innovative and sustainable best-in-class solutions help make the circular economy for styrenics a reality. The company provides styrenic applications for many everyday products across a broad range of industries, including automotive, electronics, household, construction, healthcare, packaging and toys/sports/leisure. In 2020, sales were at 4 billion euros. INEOS Styrolution employs approximately 3,600 people and operates 20 production sites in ten countries.