Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical has announced the commercial availability of their Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) technology.
This builds on the
strategic partnership between Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical, first announced in
May 2024, to co-develop and commercialise technologies that support circularity and
carbon-neutral society across the petrochemical value chain.
“By uniting Lummus’
process expertise with Sumitomo Chemical’s materials innovation, we’re
delivering a scalable, economically viable PMMA recycling solution,” said Leon
de Bruyn, president and chief executive officer, Lummus Technology. “This gives
our customers a clear pathway to reduce waste, lower emissions and unlock new
value from recycled materials—turning sustainability into a competitive
advantage.”
“We are proud to
deliver this innovative PMMA-CR technology to market together with our
trusted partner, Lummus Technology,” said Seiji Takeuchi, Senior Managing
Executive Officer, Sumitomo Chemical. “Through commercial licensing, we will
contribute to the realisation of a circular economy by enabling the recycling of PMMA.”
Since establishing the
partnership in 2024, Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical advanced development and
commercialisation
of the PMMA-CR technology, including successful validation at Sumitomo
Chemical’s pilot plant in Japan.
The technology
recycles end‑of‑life PMMA back into high‑purity methyl methacrylate (MMA)
monomer.
Its depolymerisation system,
developed by The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. and Sumitomo Chemical, produces
recycled MMA that matches the quality of fossil‑derived material.
The process is also
expected to cut life‑cycle greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50%*,
reducing plastic waste and reliance on fossil‑based feedstocks.
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