Trinseo taps BASF's 'circular styrene' for SBR production

Ludwigshafen, Germany – US materials supplier Trinseo SA and Germany’s BASF are extending an existing collaboration for the use of green styrene in the production of rubbers and polymers, the two companies announced 29 March. 

As part of the partnership, Trinseo has recently been procuring first supplies of BASF’s ‘circular feedstock’ styrene for use in the production of solution-styrene butadiene rubber (S-SBR) and polystyrene (PS) products. 

The US manufacturer supplies S-SBR to major tires manufacturers while its PS products are used in applications such as food packaging and appliances. 

Under the expanded collaboration, the two companies will aim to increase “the development and management of styrene, featuring an improved environmental profile,” said a joint statement 29 March.

BASF produces two types of ‘circular’ styrene, using a mass balance approach – a chain of custody model designed to keep track of the total amount of input (e. g. circular feedstock) throughout the production cycle and ensure an appropriate allocation to the finished goods. 

To produce its bio-based BMB styrene, BASF replaces fossil resources like naphtha or natural gas by renewable feedstocks derived from organic waste or vegetable oils.  

For its Ccycled products, BASF uses pyrolysis oil derived from tire and plastic waste which is not mechanically recycled.  

According to the joint statement, Trinseo has already used BMB styrene for their downstream business and the Ccycled materials will be available “in the near future.” 

“The first few customers have already processed the material,” it added.

“By creating synergy across the value chain, the Trinseo-BASF collaboration is an important move towards helping our customers reach their sustainability goals as well as the development of a truly circular economy,” said Nicolas Joly, VP, plastics & feedstocks of Trinseo. 

The initiative, according to Joly, is also in line with Trinseo’s 2030 sustainability goals, which aim to reduce green house gas emissions by 35% by 2035.