PureCycle Technologies has signed an understanding with SK Global Chemical as a first step to building a polypropylene (PP) recycling facility in South Korea.

PureCycle uses proprietary technology to recycle waste PP into ultra-pure polypropylene resin (UPRP) for applications spanning absorbent hygiene and other consumer goods, automotive, building and construction and industrial uses. The company can process a wide range of waste polypropylene with varying levels of contamination and effectively remove contaminents, including colour and odour, to create an ultra-pure polypropylene resin. Its technology is based on a global license for the patented solvent-based purification recycling technology developed by Procter & Gamble.

“Partnering with the leading recycling waste company in South Korea is a major milestone for PureCycle,” said PureCycle CEO Mike Otworth. “We are bringing together a premier team of experts to achieve our goal of recycling one billion pounds of polypropylene waste by 2025. The sad reality is that ninety-one per cent of plastic waste is not recycled. That is exactly why our work with SK Global Chemical will be incredibly important to reducing plastic waste and helping society view plastic as an infinitely sustainable material.”

“At SK Global Chemical, we are focused on leading circular systems for plastics with top-notch technology, and that is why PureCycle is the perfect partner for us to continue this focus and amplify our goals,” added Na Kyung-soo, CEO of SK Global Chemical.

The agreement will lead to the development of solvent-based recycling operations in Asia Pacific and add to the facility locations already growing across the United States.

Construction of PureCycle’s flagship recycling facility in Ironton, Ohio is well underway and expected to begin commercial production in the fourth quarter of 2022. In July the company announced the location for a cluster facility in Augusta, Georgia. The 200-acre location in Augusta Corporate Park will create over 80 manufacturing jobs with an initial $440 million investment to primarily fund three lines with 130 million pounds of capacity during Phase 1 of the project.

PureCycle has already pre-sold more than 20 years of UPRP output from the Ohio plant.

www.purecycle.com