February 13, 2026 13:00

Canadian company UpSolv (formerly Polystyvert) is launching its first polystyrene resins produced through physical recycling by dissolving styrenic waste, using a proprietary process approved last year by the US FDA for food contact.
The first made-to-spec batches are being produced at its plant in Montreal, Canada.

The company said recent trials delivered strong results with rigid polystyrene, EPS and XPS.

“The hard work done with its many partners and clients over the last two years has confirmed the technology maturity and robustness to enter the commercial market with a first plant that will treat 11,000 tons of polystyrene waste annually, thus offering a high-quality recycled resin at a competitive price, including for international customers.”

The process  involves dissolving styrenic plastic waste in a solvent. Additives and contaminants are first removed mechanically and then chemically, before the polymer is separated and purified for reuse.
By removing contaminants that are typically difficult to eliminate, such as pigments and brominated flame retardants, the recycled polystyrene can be used in applications requiring virgin-like purity.

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