LyondellBasell Expands Frankfurt Recycling R&D Capabilities

LyondellBasellThe company is strengthening its development of advanced sorting, decontamination, and composite technologies, as well as conducting advanced analysis of post-consumer recycling under near-industrial conditions, by making significant investments in its R&D capabilities at its innovation center in Frankfurt to improve the standards of its mechanical recycling materials.

The company is developing mechanical recycling technology using its new innovation facility designed to simulate industrial conditions, focusing 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 combines it with decontamination, extrusion, and degassing options, marking an important milestone in our development of technology under near-industrial conditions. In this way, we continuously improve our processes and our plant in Geleen, where we have been operating mechanical recycling technology," said Ulf Schüller, Head of Process Technology Development in Frankfurt, in a statement.

Quality Standards

LyondellBasell is enhancing the quality standards of mechanically recycled materials by heavily investing in the Frankfurt Innovation Center's research and development. The company is expanding its efforts in sorting, decontamination, and composite technologies, while also improving the analytical capabilities of post-consumer recycled materials in near-industrial environments.

The program focuses on a new innovative facility that replicates industrial operating conditions, where LyondellBasell is improving mechanical recycling processes. The facility is dedicated to developing sorting, decontamination, and compounding technologies specifically for processing post-consumer waste materials.

"Intelligent recycling begins with intelligent analysis," said Diana Doetsch, Head of Polymer Physics and Characterization R&D at Lanxess. "Through continuous research and cutting-edge technology, we can truly meet customer expectations and drive the future of recycling—ensuring that recycled materials are free from harmful substances such as heavy metals, plasticizers, and other toxic chemicals."

Match recycling technologies with waste types.

LyondellBasell's recycling technology portfolio offers unique capabilities for plastic waste management, 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 greatly, necessitating tailored processing approaches.

Differences between plastic types drive technology choices, as flexible plastics and rigid plastics require separate processing methods to achieve optimal recycling results. This targeted approach reflects the complexity of modern waste streams and the need for specialized solutions.

Overview of Plastic Types and Technologies:

Recent expansion

LyondellBasell announced earlier this month that it will expand its Purell medical-grade polymer portfolio to North America.

The Purell series will now provide service models, regulatory compliance, and innovation-driven solutions for North American customers.

A specialized polymer product portfolio for medical and healthcare applications, including syringes, ampoules, IV bottles, diagnostic housings, laboratory equipment, inhalers, and packaging materials.

This month, the company also launched ProFax EP648R, a new polypropylene impact copolymer designed to meet the challenging performance demands across various industries.

"Pro-Fax 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 changing demands of today's demanding applications."

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