LyondellBasell Expands Frankfurt Recycling R&D Capacity

LyondellBasell is enhancing the standards of its mechanically recycled materials through significant investment in the research and development capabilities of its Frankfurt Innovation Center. The company is intensifying its R&D efforts at this center, focusing on developing advanced sorting, decontamination, and compounding technologies, as well as advanced analytical methods for post-consumer recycled materials under conditions close to industrial settings.

LyondellBasell is using this new innovation facility, which simulates industrial conditions, to develop mechanical recycling technologies, with a focus on advanced sorting, decontamination, and compounding technologies for post-consumer waste materials.

"The facility is capable of processing hundreds of kilograms of test materials (sorted by plastic type and color) and, combined with processes such as decontamination, extrusion, and degassing, marks a key milestone in our development of technology under near-industrial conditions. In this way, we are continuously improving the process in collaboration with our base in Geleen—where we have already put mechanical recycling technology into operation," said Ulf Schüller, Head of Process Technology Development in Frankfurt, in a statement.

Quality Standards

Lanxess is enhancing the quality standards of mechanically recycled materials by increasing R&D investments at its innovation center in Frankfurt. The company is expanding its research in sorting, decontamination, and composite technologies, while also strengthening its analytical capabilities for post-consumer recycled materials in near-industrial environments.

This initiative revolves around a new innovative facility simulating industrial operating conditions, where LyondellBasell optimizes mechanical recycling processes. The facility focuses on developing sorting, decontamination, and compounding technologies specifically for handling post-consumer waste materials.

"Smart recycling begins with smart analysis," said Diana Doetsch, head of polymer physics and characterization R&D at LyondellBasell, in a statement. "Through ongoing research and cutting-edge technology, we can truly meet customer expectations and drive the future of the recycling industry—ensuring that recycled materials are free from harmful substances such as heavy metals, plasticizers, and other toxic chemicals."

Matching Recycling Technologies with Waste Types

LyondellBasell's portfolio of recycling technologies offers unique capabilities for handling plastic waste, with each method playing a specific role in reducing waste streams and supporting circular economy goals. The company emphasizes that the composition and structure of plastic waste vary significantly, requiring customized treatment solutions.

The differences in plastic types determine the choice of technology, as flexible and rigid plastics require different treatment methods to achieve optimal recycling results. This targeted approach reflects the complexity of modern waste streams and the need for specialized solutions.

Plastic Types and Corresponding Technical Overview:

- Mechanical recycling: particularly suitable for rigid plastic waste (PP and HDPE)

- Solvent-based recycling (Newcycling technology): Used for processing flexible plastic waste (LDPE)

• Chemical recycling (MoReTec technology): Providing solutions for highly mixed and contaminated pre-sorted post-consumer waste.
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Recent expansion

Lianda Basel announced earlier this month the expansion of its Purell medical-grade polymer portfolio in North America.

The Purell series will now serve North American customers with service models, compliance assurance, and innovation-driven solutions.

This specialized polymer formulation is aimed at applications in the healthcare field, including syringes, ampoules, intravenous infusion bottles, diagnostic device housings, laboratory equipment, inhalers, and packaging materials.

The company also launched the ProFax EP648R this month—a new type of polypropylene impact copolymer designed to meet the high-performance demands of multiple industries.

"ProFax EP648R embodies our commitment to innovation and providing differentiated solutions for our customers," said James Deaton, Business Manager at LyondellBasell. "It is a reliable, high-performance resin that meets the evolving demands of today's high-performance applications."

According to the company, ProFax EP648R achieves a perfect balance between impact resistance and rigidity, making it ideal for high-performance injection molded products such as garden furniture, turnover boxes, buckets, bottle caps, and thin-walled packaging.