OSLO, NORWAY: Agilyx ASA, a technology company that enables customers to recycle the most challenging post-use plastics to high value, virgin-equivalent products, announced that Kumho Petrochemical (Kumho) and Technip Energies (T.EN) have signed an MOU to produce recycled styrene (RSM) using its patented conversion technology.

This MOU follows the previous announcement of an RSM project utilizing Agilyx technology and outlines a cooperative relationship between the two parties working toward successful licensing of Agilyx’s conversion technology and the construction of an RSM production plant in South Korea.

RSM is obtained from pyrolysis of waste polystyrene and can be used as a direct replacement for styrene produced from traditional fossil-based sources. It is anticipated that Kumho will use RSM in the production of solution styrene-butadiene rubber (SSBR), a key component for the manufacture of tires, including for the large volume, high-performance tire segment.

Kumho’s stated goal is to commercialize RSM products beginning in 2026. T.EN, the exclusive licensor for polystyrene pyrolysis enabled by Agilyx technology, will provide support in all tasks including the transfer of a technology license to Kumho.