Versalis SpA, the chemicals arm of Italian energy giant Eni, has launched a new line of products made of recycled plastics.
Unveiled during the K 2019 show in October, the Versalis Revive range was developed based on different polymers, including polystyrene and polyethylene.
Versalis Revive EPS range is an expandable polystyrene made of recycled raw materials from domestic waste collected in Italy, including polystyrene cups, trays and yogurt pots.
Versalis teamed up with Italian plastic packaging waste recovery consortium Corepla to secure the raw materials.
The new EPS material has been commercially available since November, and has properties similar to those of virgin polystyrene, according to Versalis.
The product can be used as insulating panels to save energy in buildings, or as protective packaging for appliances and furniture.
Furthermore, the Milan-based company is also pursuing other initiatives with the goal to produce over 20,000 tonnes/year of polystyrene products containing recycled materials.
The other product in the range, Versalis Revive PE, includes low and high density polyethylene-based compounds, containing up to 75% of urban post-consumer plastic, mainly from recycled packaging.
The material is particularly suited for drip irrigation in the agricultural sector, and for small containers of up to 5lt in the packaging sector.
The product is also suitable for film applications, such as for bags for industrial products or mineral water packaging, according to Versalis.
The PE materials were developed through a partnership between Versalis and plastic recovery technology company Montello SpA.
The product line is currently being further developed and is expected to include new grades soon.
“This new product line reaffirms Versalis’ commitment to the circular economy as a pillar of Eni’s strategy for a low-carbon future. Reducing waste and giving plastic waste new life by reusing and recycling are fundamental to ensuring a better future for the planet,” said Versalis in a news release.