U.S.-based chemical recycling innovator Agilyx has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Germany鈥檚 Green Dot Group to secure waste polystyrene (PS) feedstock for chemical recycling. The agreement marks a strategic move aimed at enhancing circular economy practices and supporting upcoming European recycling mandates.
Under the terms of the deal, Green Dot will supply Agilyx with approximately 20,000 metric tons of polystyrene waste annually. Green Dot operates a leading dual-system network for packaging waste collection in Germany, processing over 300,000 metric tons of lightweight packaging material each year.
Agilyx will utilize its proprietary Styrenyx pyrolysis technology to chemically recycle the PS waste into styrene monomers. This technology is currently in use at a commercial chemical recycling facility in Japan, operated by Denka and Toyo Styrene, and is regarded as a scalable solution for PS recycling.
The companies aim to prioritize the supply of recycled styrene monomers to brand owner customers operating under Green Dot鈥檚 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system across the European Economic Area. This initiative is designed to support companies striving to meet recycled content targets established by the recently adopted Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).
While chemically recycled plastics are not yet officially counted toward the PPWR鈥檚 recycled content mandates, the European Commission is expected to reconsider its policy later this year.
鈥淲e are very pleased with this agreement and the synergy between Green Dot, an early mover in Europe鈥檚 advanced recycling feedstock space, and our Styrenyx plants, which offer the industry鈥檚 first commercial-scale solution for polystyrene recycling,鈥� said Ranjeet Bhatia, CEO of Agilyx. 鈥淭his partnership is a critical step toward building a cost-effective, stable, and long-term sourcing relationship.鈥�
Currently, Agilyx operates its only commercial-scale PS recycling facility in Japan. Previously, it ran the world鈥檚 first commercial PS chemical recycling facility in Tigard, Oregon, in partnership with U.S.-based AmSty. That venture, named Regenyx, ceased operations in March 2024 after incurring $4.5 million in losses since 2021. Agilyx is also collaborating with Ineos Styrolution America to construct a new plant in Channahon, Illinois.
Green Dot CEO Laurent Auguste emphasized the company鈥檚 strengths in sourcing waste plastic through established programs and its ability to deliver high-quality advanced recycling feedstock. 鈥淲e are pleased to work with Agilyx to raise recycling rates for polystyrene. Alongside our recycled polyethylene and polypropylene offerings, recycled PS will further help our global brand clients achieve circular packaging goals.鈥�
Agilyx and Circular Resources, owner of Green Dot, have jointly formed a new venture, Plastyx, to supply feedstock for chemical recycling in Europe. To date, Plastyx has signed memorandums of understanding covering 150,000 metric tons of plastic waste鈥攔eaching 75% of its target.
