BOOST: Back-to-mOnOmer recycling of polymeric materialS using molten meTals

Introduction

The BOOST Project is aimed at implementing the first-of-its-kind commercial plant of MyRemono’s NXRe PMMA (NXRe PMMA, formerly known as CatC) modular technology for producing high-quality recycled Methyl Methacrylate (r-MMA) by chemically recycling secondary raw materials sourced from Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) waste.

Background

PMMA is a transparent thermoplastic used for applications in various industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, and healthcare. PMMA production is based on the polymerization of its monomer, the virgin Methyl Methacrylate (MMA), traditionally produced by different routes that require fossil-based feedstock.

The BOOST Project will offer a circular solution to the plastic waste dilemma by redefining PMMA waste as a sustainable source for r-MMA production. It is forecasted that over the first ten years of operation, the first commercial plant will achieve a 96% relative Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission avoidance compared to the reference scenario.

Technology Overview

Due to the combination of the patented innovative molten metal-flow and the distinctive charging system, NXRe PMMA allows for the optimization of the depolymerization process, ensuring a thorough PMMA-metal mixing.

Depolymerization Process

The depolymerization process is performed continuously with a short residence time and with improved heat and mass transfer rates. Both factors allow for the construction of compact depolymerization units with high-energy efficiency levels, resulting in:

1. Lower capital expenditures
2. Reduced operating costs
3. Production of high-quality and sustainable r-MMA with a final purity greater than 99%

The first commercial plant will increase the European PMMA chemical recycling capacity by 5,000 tonnes per year, producing approximately 4,345 tonnes per year of r-MMA, and avoiding the consumption of more than 13,000 tonnes per year of fossil-based raw materials.

Market Impact

The project will enable the commercial deployment of NXRe PMMA with the aim to address the same target market from both the supply and off-take sides, embracing a fully circular model.

Scalability Potential

Furthermore, the positive results arising from the research & development campaign tests, already conducted on polystyrene (PS) and polyolefin (PO), demonstrate the potential NXRe PMMA technology scalability into various sectors within the plastic manufacturing and recycling industry. This means closing the waste recycling loop for different plastic waste and enhancing the production of sustainable plastic products.

Socio-Economic Effects

The BOOST Project will yield positive socio-economic effects contributing to the growth of a transition region within the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy and fostering the resilience of the EU economy in compliance with the principles of sustainability and circular economy.