KBR Advances Chemical Recycling of PVC Towards Industrial Scale
Technology firm KBR, Inc. reports progress in the industrialization of chemical recycling for polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The company aims to transition the process from laboratory settings to large-scale application.
Houston, TX – KBR, Inc. announced significant advancements in the chemical recycling of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), moving the technology closer to industrial implementation. PVC is a widely used plastic manufactured from chlorine gas and ethylene.
The demand for PVC, critical for products like pipes, electrical cable insulation, and window frames, is projected to increase by approximately 4.8% annually through 2030. However, with ethylene primarily derived from fossil fuels, this growth contributes to the depletion of natural resources.
Rajendra Gupta, Technical Professional Leader for KBR’s Advanced Recycling Technologies, highlighted that PVC's chlorine-rich chemistry presents recycling challenges, leading to most PVC waste ending up in landfills. Projections indicate a substantial rise in PVC waste by 2032.
KBR's efforts focus on developing and scaling sustainable solutions for plastic waste management. Successful chemical recycling of PVC could offer a pathway to reuse the material, reduce reliance on virgin fossil feedstocks, and mitigate environmental impacts. The company is working to transition this technology from pilot stages to industrial production.