Polystyvert utilizes a dissolution recycling process to convert various types of post-consumer polystyrene into high-quality recycled pellets suitable for re-extrusion and re-injection. This technology addresses the significant issue of polystyrene waste, which is often contaminated and not recycled, by enabling a circular economy that reduces landfill contributions and reliance on virgin plastic production.
Funding
$16M raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Polystyrene waste is often heavily contaminated, making it unsuitable for traditional recycling methods and leading to significant landfill contributions. This lack of effective recycling hinders the creation of a circular economy for polystyrene and perpetuates reliance on virgin plastic production.
Solution
Polystyvert employs a dissolution recycling technology that converts post-consumer polystyrene, including expanded (EPS), extruded (XPS), and injected forms, into high-quality recycled pellets. The process involves dissolving the polystyrene in a specially selected essential oil, which rapidly separates the plastic from contaminants like labels, food residue, and other plastics. This purified polystyrene can then be re-extruded or re-injected into various applications, either as 100% recycled material or blended with virgin polystyrene. Polystyvert also offers a deep purification technology that allows the recycled polystyrene to be further processed and reintroduced into polymerization reactors to regenerate expandable polystyrene (EPS) or high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) with virgin-like mechanical properties.
Target Audience
Polystyvert's primary customers include companies seeking to achieve ambitious environmental goals, recyclers, and manufacturers looking for sustainable polystyrene feedstock.
Features
- Dissolution process using a safe, essential oil solvent that selectively dissolves polystyrene.
- Pre-filtration step to remove large contaminants such as cardboard, paper, and other plastics.
- Production of high-quality recycled polystyrene pellets suitable for re-extrusion and re-injection.
- Deep purification technology to regenerate polystyrene for high-end applications.
- Ability to process various types of polystyrene, including expanded, extruded, and injected forms.
- Licensing options available for partners to implement Polystyvert's recycling technologies.