Agilyx technology to recover previously unrecyclable flame retardant insulation

Agilyx Corporation has reached a milestone in its collaboration with a strategic technology partner which will allow for the recycling of brominated flame retardant-laden polystyrene into a high-purity styrene monomer for direct use in downstream products including PS, EPS, ABS, SBR, SAN and unsaturated polyester resins.

The integrated technologies of Agilyx depolymerization open the pathway for previously unrecycled materials, such as construction foam and insulation, to be put back into use as new materials at a quality level equivalent to those manufactured from any other styrene monomer. These materials can then be used for any application from building materials to food containers.

"The ability to recycle flame retardant-laden polystyrene not only allows this contaminated material to be part of a sustainable recycling value chain, but it will open up new markets that were previously closed due to the contamination associated with these materials," says Tim Stedman, chief executive officer of Agilyx. "This is an exciting step on our mission to making all plastics circular, even those that are most distressed and contaminated."