Röhm expands PMMA recycling with high-yield MMA tech

PMMA is a versatile plastic that can be found in vehicle taillights, medical devices and numerous other applications. Due to its chemical structure, the material is particularly suitable for efficient, high-quality recycling processes, achieving more than 90% yield in depolymerization processes.

The new technology can be easily integrated into the existing MMA production in Worms. With this investment, Röhm is creating the basis for a closed and scalable material cycle. Starting summer 2027, the recycled MMA will be used for manufacturing sustainable proTerra products throughout Röhm's Verbund structure.

The scale-up of the technology to industrial scale is Röhm’s contribution to the European Recycling Alliance for PMMA, which was founded together with partners at the end of 2024. The aim of this network of companies is to significantly increase the recycling rate of end-of-life PMMA across Europe and to establish a completely closed material cycle. The alliance partners take on various tasks: Pekutherm collects and sorts around 5,000 tons of PMMA waste throughout Europe every year. MyRemono processes these quantities into technical rMMA by means of depolymerization. At Röhm in Worms, this technical rMMA is finally upgraded into MMA in virgin material quality.

“With rMMA, we are creating a real cycle in the PMMA value chain,” says Lukas Dössel, director circular economy at Röhm. “This way, we can support our customers in meeting future legal requirements. This is a decisive step towards sustainable material flows in Europe and a reduced dependence on fossil raw materials.”

Röhm's investment is funded and supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The funding program helps industrial companies in Germany to save energy, conserve resources and reduce emissions. “With this investment, we are taking responsibility for a mindful and circular use of plastics. We don't just want to be part of the change – we want to actively drive it forward,” says Dössel.

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ALCHEMPro News Desk (JP)