Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical Advance Commercial PMMA Chemical Recycling Initiative
Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical announced that their high-efficiency Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) technology has become commercially available. The move is a result of the strategic partnership launched between the two companies in May 2024, aimed at developing and commercializing technologies that support circularity and carbon-neutral society goals across the petrochemical value chain.
Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical announced the commercial availability of high-efficiency Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) technologies. This step, as a result of a strategic partnership initiated between the two companies in May 2024, aims to develop and commercialize technologies supporting circularity and carbon-neutral society targets across the petrochemical value chain.
Lummus Technology President Leon de Bruyn stated the following on the matter:
"By combining Lummus' process expertise with Sumitomo Chemical's material innovation, we are delivering a scalable and economically viable PMMA recycling solution. This solution provides our customers with a clear path to reduce waste, lower emissions and create new value from recycled materials. Transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage is now possible."
Sumitomo Chemical Senior Executive Vice President Seiji Takeuchi said,
"We are proud to bring this innovative PMMA-CR technology to market together with our trusted partner Lummus Technology. By enabling PMMA recycling through commercial licensing, we will contribute to bringing the circular economy to life," he said.
Under the partnership, the PMMA-CR technology was successfully validated at Sumitomo Chemical's pilot facility in Japan. The system converts end-of-life PMMA into high-purity methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer. The depolymerization system, developed by The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. and Sumitomo Chemical, enables the production of recycled MMA of the same quality as fossil-based materials. The process is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis by approximately 50%* compared to fossil-based materials, while reducing plastic waste and fossil-based feedstock dependency.
Key Features of PMMA-CR Technology
-High-Efficiency Recycling Process: Converts post-consumer and post-industrial PMMA waste into circular MMA monomer with high yield and purity.
-Advanced Depolymerization System: Optimized with twin-screw extruder and heating system providing uniform temperature.
-Continuous Operation: Self-cleaning extruder system provides high equipment utilization rates and ease of operation.
-Scalable and Modular: Capacity can be adjusted by multiplying lines; offered as modular ISBL packages.
-Circular Integration: Enables true closed-loop recycling for automotive, electronics, construction and other PMMA applications.
With PMMA-CR technology becoming licensable, Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical are ready to support customers' transition to circular PMMA, increase resource efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
* Value calculated based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology in comparison with fossil-based materials.
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