KBR Launches Polymer Recycling Technology for Transforming Hard to Recycle Plastic Waste

KBR has launched a patented polymer dissolution technology (PDT) for purifying and recycling polyethylene and polypropylene to address the growing imbalance between plastic consumption, waste generation, and the capacity of current recycling systems. Comprising the largest share of global plastic production, particularly the packaging and FMCG industries, thermoplastics are plastics that can be melted, reshaped, and reused multiple times, making them highly versatile and recyclable.

Developed by ReVentas, KBR's PDT addresses key challenges in recycling by enabling fast and efficient polymer dissolution without the need for proprietary solvents or severe operating conditions.

"The technology allows for cost-effective production of high-quality, virgin like polymers from difficult-to-recycle post-consumer plastics, with an environmental footprint comparable to mechanical recycling. Importantly, PDT uses a solvent permissible with well-defined limits for food packaging, which means it doesn't face regulatory barriers for food-contact applications and aligns with EFSA's Novel Technology requirements," said Hari Ravindran, SVP and Global Head, KBR Technology Solutions.

KBR's PDT technology is complimentary to both mechanical and chemical plastic recycling and offers significant benefits across performance, cost, and sustainability. It can process both PE and PP feedstocks, including films and rigid plastics, while preserving polymer chains to achieve high product yields producing virgin-like materials suitable for food, cosmetics, medical, and other high-end applications.

Mild operating conditions and use of non-proprietary solvents, results in lower capital requirement and operating costs. As PDT is a physical process, it enables easy material traceability, supporting transparency and compliance with audit and mass balance requirements.

Rising plastic demand and waste, coupled with limited recycling capacity and tightening regulations, are creating a growing supply gap, one that KBR's PDT can help bridge by enabling efficient, high-quality recycling at scale.

ReVentas' polymer recycling technology strengthens KBR's advanced recycling portfolio, which includes Hydro-PRT® for mixed and contaminated waste plastics and TyreNovaSM for end-of-life tire recycling.