Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical launch commercial PMMA recycling technology, enabling circular, low-carbon MMA production from end-of-life acrylic waste.
Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical have officially announced the commercial launch of their advanced Polymethyl Methacrylate Chemical Recycling (PMMA-CR) technology, marking a significant milestone in efforts to accelerate circularity and sustainability within the petrochemical and plastics value chain. The newly available technology is the result of a strategic collaboration between the two companies, first revealed in May 2024, aimed at developing innovative solutions that support a carbon-neutral and resource-efficient society.
The PMMA-CR technology combines Lummus Technology’s extensive expertise in process engineering and commercialization with Sumitomo Chemical’s deep knowledge of materials science and polymer innovation. Together, the partners have created a scalable and economically viable solution that enables the recycling of PMMA waste back into its original monomer form, methyl methacrylate (MMA), without compromising quality.
Leon de Bruyn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Lummus Technology, emphasized that the collaboration delivers tangible value for customers seeking sustainable alternatives. He noted that the technology provides a clear and practical pathway for reducing plastic waste, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and extracting new value from end-of-life materials. By transforming sustainability into a competitive advantage, the solution supports both environmental goals and long-term business performance.
Seiji Takeuchi, Senior Managing Executive Officer at Sumitomo Chemical, highlighted the importance of bringing the PMMA-CR technology to market through commercial licensing. He stated that the technology plays a key role in advancing the circular economy by enabling efficient and repeated recycling of PMMA, a widely used material across multiple industries. Through this initiative, Sumitomo Chemical aims to contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts while supporting customers’ evolving regulatory and environmental requirements.
Since forming their partnership in 2024, Lummus and Sumitomo Chemical have made significant progress in refining and validating the PMMA-CR process. The technology has been successfully tested and verified at Sumitomo Chemical’s pilot plant in Japan, demonstrating its technical reliability and readiness for industrial deployment. At the core of the process is a depolymerization system jointly developed by Sumitomo Chemical and The Japan Steel Works, Ltd., which efficiently converts end-of-life PMMA into high-purity recycled MMA monomer.
The recycled MMA produced through this process is equivalent in quality to conventionally produced, fossil-based MMA, making it suitable for demanding applications. According to life cycle assessment calculations conducted by Sumitomo Chemical, the PMMA-CR technology is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 50 percent compared with traditional fossil-derived production routes. This reduction is achieved by minimizing plastic waste, lowering dependence on virgin feedstocks, and improving overall resource efficiency.
The technology features a highly efficient recycling process capable of handling both post-consumer and post-industrial PMMA waste. An advanced twin-screw extruder and optimized heating system ensure uniform temperature control, high thermal efficiency, and continuous operation. The self-cleaning design enhances equipment utilization and simplifies operation, while the modular and scalable configuration allows capacity expansion through duplication of processing trains.
With commercial licensing now available, Lummus Technology and Sumitomo Chemical are well positioned to help customers transition toward circular PMMA solutions. The PMMA-CR technology supports closed-loop recycling for applications in automotive, electronics, construction, and other key sectors, enabling a more sustainable future for acrylic materials.
