TEXTILES.ORG
Royal DSM, a global science-based company and Clariter, an international clean-tech company, have announced a strategic partnership to pursue a next-generation chemical recycling solution for products based on DSM’s Dyneema®, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber.
In line with its sustainability targets and following the successful launch of bio-based Dyneema® (mass balance), DSM Protective Materials is pursuing reuse and recycling solutions for end-of-life Dyneema® – based products. To drive technical recycling solutions, DSM Protective Materials and Clariter partnered to test the feasibility of using Dyneema® as a feedstock in Clariter’s chemical recycling process. Sample products made with Dyneema®, including ropes, nets, and ballistic materials, were used in Clariter’s tests at its pilot plant in Poland.
The positive results confirm the technical viability of transforming Dyneema® -based end-products into high-value, industrial grade, product families (oils, waxes, and solvents) via Clariter’s patented 3-step chemical recycling process. These can be further used as ingredients to manufacture new end- and consumer products.
Clariter has scheduled commercial scale trials at its facility in South Africa for 2021, with the aim to use Dyneema® -derived feedstock in its full-scale European plants that will be built in the coming years. In addition, DSM will continue to actively explore the possibilities of reducing the environmental impact of Dyneema® across all product life stages.