LyondellBasell has recently obtained a 25% ownership interest in Cyclyx International, a chemical-recycling technology group that was established as a joint venture between Agilyx and ExxonMobil three years ago.

PORTSMOUTH, New Hampshire, USA: Leveraging more than 1500 post-use plastic chemical analyses, Cyclyx evaluates each waste plastic source to comprehend its chemical composition. The company then employs artificial intelligence and large data sets to categorize these compositions into the appropriate mechanical and chemical recycling routes that can be utilized for the plastics. Based on customer requirements, Cyclyx subsequently consolidates and pre-processes the products. The end products encompass recycled variants of polystyrene (PS), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE).

In line with the recent acquisition announcement, Cyclyx is broadening its business strategy. It is shifting from a solely licensing model to also include a build, own, and operate option for its Circularity Centers (CCCs). This strategic expansion will allow Cyclyx to maintain control over the quality and custody of custom-blended feedstocks from their source to their delivery. The company believes this expanded model will expedite the collection of post-use plastics and boost recycling efforts across more communities and businesses nationwide.

Cyclyx plans to leverage its Circularity Labs to augment its chemical characterization database and solidify its leading role in managing contamination in, and utilization of, post-use plastics. This approach accelerates the progress towards the 10to90 mission. The innovative technology identifies the type of plastic, any added components such as metal linings or colorings, ideal manufacturing methods, and contamination. This information ensures the feedstock quality and maintains the integrity of ISCC PLUS certifications, all while meeting unique customer specifications.

The expanded model of Cyclyx contributes to its objectives of increasing its national presence, accelerating the scale of its feedstock services, and investing in future growth to support the wider industry.

According to the LyondellBasell Executive Vice President, Circular and Low Carbon Solutions, “Investing in plastic waste value chain experts such as Cyclyx, together with Agilyx and ExxonMobil, helps create the robust supply chains we all need to increase access to circular and renewable feedstocks. This collaboration unlocks the necessary scale of recycled material and infrastructure for our planned integrated Circular and Low Carbon Solutions Hub in the Houston area and aligns with our purpose of creating solutions for everyday sustainable living."

According to TechSci Research, Plastics, with their slow decomposition rate of hundreds of years, pose a grave threat to the environment, causing considerable pollution. However, by actively engaging in recycling practices, we can effectively minimize the amount of waste that ultimately finds its way into our precious oceans and overflowing landfills. Additionally, it's worth noting that the production of new plastic materials is responsible for releasing a substantial amount of harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. By embracing plastic recycling initiatives, we can effectively mitigate these emissions, making a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change and preserving the health of our planet for future generations.