BASF inks MoU with Sulzer for renewable fuels and chemically recycled plastics

GERMANY – Germany-based chemical company BASF has signed an MoU with Sulzer Chemtech to advance technologies for renewable fuels and chemically recycled plastics.

Under the partnership, the two companies will drive the development of innovative, cost-effective chemical processing solutions to improve the conversion of plastic waste into new plastics.

The collaboration combines complementary areas of expertise, integrating Sulzer Chemtech’s capabilities in licensed processing technologies and mass transfer equipment with BASF’s cutting-edge high-performance adsorbents and catalysts.

Sulzer Chemtech, an established licensor for process technologies for renewable fuels and chemical recycling of plastics, is leading efforts to harness resources that can help global producers achieve their net-zero ambitions.

BASF Process Catalysts is driving multiple initiatives aimed at turning plastic waste into a secondary raw material.

For instance, the company leverages its newly developed PuriCycle® portfolio, as well as providing adsorbent and catalytic materials to produce clean and renewable fuels.

Detlef Ruff, Senior Vice President, Process Catalysts at BASF said: “Global plastic pollution and mobility are challenges that we can help to solve by joining forces with partners.”

“This is why we at BASF are involved in key strategic collaborations aimed at protecting our planet’s resources and transforming the way we do business.

“We are excited to work with Sulzer Chemtech and use our combined strengths to address plastic pollution and drive the adoption of more sustainable fuels.”

Commenting on the partnership, Torsten Wintergerste, President at Sulzer Chemtech, said: “Our process technology development team is continuously looking at new ways to support more sustainable, circular practices.

“The MoU with BASF allows us to broaden the scope of our portfolio and will lead to improved value offerings in both renewable fuels and the plastics recycling value chain.

“We look forward to working together to deliver advanced technologies that help our customers accelerate their path to net zero carbon emissions.”

This partnership follows an earlier deal between BASF and Nippon Paint China that will see the two companies work together to develop new industrial eco-packaging in China.

According to BASF this new eco-packaging will reduce carbon emissions and help achieve a circular economy and sustainable development within the packaging industry.

BASF partners Mercedes to introduce a circular approach for end-of-life tires

Meanwhile, the German company in collaboration with waste tire pyrolysis company Pyrum Innovations AG will supply sustainable materials to automotive major Mercedes-Benz AG.

As part of the collaboration, BASF is using Pyrum’s pyrolysis oil from recycled tires in combination with biomethane from agricultural waste to produce new plastics for car components.

Using the two raw materials creates ‘a completely new plastic that has the same properties as new plastic made from fossil raw materials,’ noted Pyrum.

The plastic is certified according to the so-called “mass balance method”: An independent certification confirms the use of secondary materials in a product.

This year, the EQE and S-Class will be the first production models to have arched door handles using plastic.

“We are rethinking the composition of all the materials in our vehicles,” said Markus Schaefer, Chief Technology officer Mercedes‑Benz Group in a separate statement.

“We anticipate being able to chemically recycle several hundred tonnes of scrap tires from Mercedes-Benz vehicles every year and use the resulting plastic in our new vehicles.”

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