NEWS


UpSolv scales up rPS plant


Canadian dissolution technology company UpSolv, formerly known as Polystyvert, has launched its high-quality, price- competitive, recycled polystyrene (rPS) at commercial scale with a first plant in the Eastern Townships, which will treat 11,000 tonnes/yr. The company’s latest trials showed excellent results on EPS and XPS as well as on rigid PS applica- tions, further validating performance, consistency, and processability. “In today’s market, sustainability and perfor- mance can no longer be


treated as trade-offs,” said Nathalie Morin, UpSolv’s CEO. “Circularity only works when recycled materials deliver the same reliability. At UpSolv, our team has made that a reality.”


UpSolv said its low-


energy dissolution and purification technology removes contaminants and offers a high quality recycled resin, which can be used as a drop-in for new products. The rPS is engineered for high-stress and performance end uses, including protective helmets, surfboards, packaging, and insulation. UpSolv is inviting


partners to secure off-take agreements. The technol- ogy is protected by more than 40 patents in 17 countries. � www.upsolv.ca


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Sunlight turns plastic waste into acetic acid


Canadian researchers have found a process to turn plastic waste into acetic acid – the main component of vinegar – using sunlight. The team, from at the University of Waterloo, say the method offers a poten- tial way to deal with plastic pollution through photoca- talysis while creating a useful chemical.


“Our goal was to solve plastic pollution by convert- ing microplastic waste into high-value products using sunlight,” said Yimin Wu, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering at the university. The team developed a bio-inspired cascade photocatalysis using iron


atoms embedded in carbon nitride, which is how some fungi break down organic matter using enzymes. In sunlight, the material drives a series of chemical reac- tions to transform the polymers into acetic acid with high selectivity. This takes place in water, making it relevant for plastic pollu- tion in aquatic environments. Acetic acid is used in


food production, chemical manufacturing and energy applications. The study shows it can be made from plastics including PVC, PP, PE and PET, and is also effective for mixed plastic waste – making it relevant for real-world waste streams. Because the process


degrades plastics at the chemical level, it could help prevent the accumulation of microplastics in water systems, said the researchers. “This method allows abundant and free solar energy to break down plastic pollution without adding extra carbon dioxide to the atmosphere,” said Wu. The technique is still at lab stage but could be adapted for solar-driven recycling. The photocatalytic upcycling system can be boosted by engineering the materials and manufactur- ing processes. The research was published recently in Advanced Energy Materials. � https://uwaterloo.ca


Waterproof roof membrane protects new logistics hub


Renolit Alkorplan has supplied 80,000 sq m of its roofing membrane for a new logistics hub in the Netherlands. Evo Park Weert, built on the site of a former Philips Lighting factory, was designed to challenge the status quo of ‘grey’ logistics by harmonising ‘high-capac- ity industrial needs with a respect for the environment’. While the roof currently has solar panels, the 80,000 sq m waterproofed surface has been structurally and technically prepared to accommodate a huge solar


FILM & SHEET EXTRUSION | March 2026


expansion. The membrane itself has


FM approval – from property insurer FM Global – to certify that the roofing assembly has passed rigorous tests for fire and wind resistance. “Choosing an FM-ap-


proved assembly means the developer is investing in the highest level of risk preven- tion available,” said Jennifer Witty Che, sustainability manager of Renolit Alkor- plan roofing products. � www.renolit.alkorplan.com


www.filmandsheet.com


IMAGE: RENOLIT


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