Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) Technology
Close the Loop on Acrylics—With Proven, Readily Available Chemical Recycling Technology
Turning acrylic waste into new value is no longer a future vision—it's a practical solution available today. Currently, Sumitomo Chemical recycle technology is the solution.
Why Recycle PMMA ?
Among synthetic resins, it has outstanding transparency and a beautiful gloss, and is widely used in applications such as automobile tail lamps, lighting fixtures, signage, aquarium tanks, and optical components for LCD displays.
Because PMMA molecular chains have a "zipper-like mechanism," they can efficiently return to monomers simply by heating. In contrast, other resins undergo a "back-biting mechanism," which leads to side reactions and the formation of byproducts such as oligomers. Due to this structural difference, PMMA is significantly more suitable for recycling using thermal depolymerization compared to other resins.
We have established our own PMMA Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) Technology by combining
The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. (JSW)’s continuous plastic depolymerization technology using twin-screw extruders with our expertise in MMA monomer and PMMA resin manufacturing.
Why Recycle PMMA ?
The PMMA-CR technology enables the efficient recovery of end-of-life PMMA products and their conversion back into high-purity methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer.
The chemically recycled MMA (CR-MMA) monomer produced by this technology is equivalent in quality to MMA monomer manufactured from fossil resources, and can be further processed using conventional manufacturing methods to produce final products in the same way as virgin MMA. This contributes significantly to reducing plastic waste and reliance on fossil-based feedstocks.
Our PMMA Chemical Recycling Technology
By combining frictional heat generated by the shear of the twin screws with external heaters, you can obtain high-purity MMA monomer with a recovery rate of 85–90%.
Furthermore, this process is also expected to cut life cycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50%*, reducing plastic waste and reliance on fossil basedfeedstocks.
*Sumitomo Chemical’s calculated value based on a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, in comparison with materials derived from fossil resources.
Our Technological Advantages
- Key Technological Advantages:
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- Highly Efficient PMMA Recycling Process
Converts post-consumer and post-industrial PMMA waste into circular MMA monomer with high yield and high purity. - Advanced Depolymerization System
Utilizes an efficient system featuring a twin-screw extruder and a heating system for uniform temperature and excellent thermal efficiency with further optimization specifically tailored for PMMA depolymerization. - Continuous Operation
Produces recycled MMA monomer equivalent in quality to MMA monomer manufactured from fossil resources, enabling true closed-loop recycling for PMMA applications in automotive, electronics, construction, and more.
Self-cleaning extruder system ensures high equipment utilization and simple operability. - Scalable and Modular
Capacity can be adjusted by duplicating trains; available as modular ISBL packages. - Circular Integration
Produces recycled MMA monomer equivalent in quality to MMA monomer manufactured from fossil resources, enabling true closed-loop recycling for PMMA applications in automotive, electronics, construction, and more.
- Highly Efficient PMMA Recycling Process
By utilizing a highly efficient depolymerization system featuring a twin-screw extruder and a heating system, we have achieved differentiation from other recycling technologies.
License Scope
We provide technology for depolymerization and purification processes.
By adopting this, you will be able to apply CR-MMA to a wide range of products.
The “Three Elements of Trust”
in Sumitomo PMMA-CR process
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Operational Excellence
- Depolymerization Process:
The technology uses a continuous extruder that optimizes residence time, temperature, and flow for efficient PMMA depolymerization. - Circular Economy Support
Recovered MMA monomer reintegrates into new MMA products, promoting circular economy and reducing waste.
- Depolymerization Process:
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Top Quality Product
- High Yield and Purity has been verified in our pilot facility with recycled MMA requiring low energy input.
- Recycled MMA with up to 99.5% purity.
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Sustainability
- Energy and Resource Efficiency
The process lowers energy consumption and reduces reliance on virgin raw materials, enhancing sustainability.
- Energy and Resource Efficiency
Licensing Scheme:
In 2024, Lummus Technology, a global provider of process technologies and value-driven energy solutions, and we announced the collaboration agreements to license our PMMA-CR technology.
With Lummus as the exclusive and worldwide licensor of its technology, our innovative technologies will be delivered to a global customer base, supported by Lummus’ global marketing reach and engineering capabilities.
