Clermont-Ferrand, France – Michelin Group and Canadian plastics recycling startup Pyrowave have joined forces to accelerate time-to-market for a waste recovery technology developed by the Montreal-based company.
The move will aim to “fast-track” the commercialisation of Pyrowave’s microwave-based chemical recycling technology that can recover recycled styrene monomer from waste polymers, said Michelin in an 18 Nov statement.
The joint development agreement will aim to certify and commercially roll out the technology in global markets, and will ultimately lead to an investment of over €20 million.
Combining Pyrowaves platform with Michelin’s knowhow, the collaboration aims to develop an industrial demonstrator, funded and operated by Michelin, by 2023.
According to Michelin, Pyrowave’s technology, unlike current thermal processes, enables the recycling of polymer waste into high-quality raw materials using electricity, which currently provides the highest decarbonation potential.