We’re proud to announce that INEOS Styrolution America is a founding member of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA)—a major industry initiative dedicated to making polystyrene (PS) and expandable polystyrene (EPS) widely recyclable.
Launched on January 28, 2025, by the Plastics Industry Association, the PSRA brings together 14 committed companies, including INEOS Styrolution, to expand recycling access, invest in collection programs, and develop sustainable end markets.
The Alliance’s ultimate goal is to counter common misconceptions about polystyrene’s recyclability and ensure polystyrene products can soon carry the “widely recyclable” label in the U.S., allowing brands to align with the Federal Trade Commission’s Green Guides and confidently label polystyrene as “recyclable”.
Ricardo Cuetos, Vice President Americas, Polymers Sales Management remarked:
"We are proud to be founding members of the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance, an industry initiative that has been over a year in the making. What started as an idea has become a reality, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our team. Now, we’re excited to bring this vision to life and make a meaningful impact on the perception of polystyrene.
Polystyrene has been unfairly labeled as “hard-to-recycle”—a misconception not supported by science. In reality, styrenics like polystyrene are 100% recyclable through both traditional (mechanical) and advanced recycling technologies. Advanced methods such as pyrolysis and depolymerization break polystyrene down into high-purity styrene monomer, which can then be used to create new, food-grade plastic products and packaging.
The biggest challenge in polystyrene recycling isn’t the technology—it’s the collection of waste. That’s where the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance comes in. Our mission is to improve collection systems, drive awareness, and ensure that polystyrene is recognized for its recyclability and sustainability potential.
Together, we can change the conversation around polystyrene and unlock its full circular potential."
Why polystyrene matters
Polystyrene is a valuable material used across industries—from food safety and packaging to construction and medical applications. Yet, many still perceive it as difficult to recycle. Through the PSRA, we are working to:
- Expand U.S. polystyrene recycling access to 60% by 2030
- Strengthen recycling infrastructure and collection programs
- Change outdated perceptions about polystyrene’s recyclability
The recycling impact so far
Already, 105 million Americans (32% of the U.S. population) have access to recycling one or more polystyrene products. While some formats require consumers to “check locally” with their local recycling program, the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance aims to expand access to all polystyrene products and reinforce its role in a sustainable plastics economy. With our collective efforts, we aim to make this number even larger.
Justin Riney, Sustainability Commercial Manager, Americas says:
“INEOS Styrolution has been a key driver in making the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance (PSRA) a reality, and we are thrilled with Tuesday’s public launch as this is a turning point for the PS industry in North America.
PS is under increasing threat due to the misconception that our materials are not recyclable, and it will be the goal of this new trade group to change that popular narrative. PS is targeted by ban, problematic, or unnecessary materials lists for packaging products, and we will continue to face deselection by our customers if we allow others to drive the conversation surrounding our products.
It is essential that the PSRA is successful in its efforts to expand PS recycling access and rates, or we will continue to see the decline of PS as a packaging material in North America. Furthermore, we need legislators and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to understand that PS is essential, recyclable, safe, and a low-carbon solution for a truly circular plastics economy.”
How you can get involved:
Join us in driving real change by:
- Spreading awareness – Stay informed by following the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance on LinkedIn and share updates with industry peers.
- Expanding your knowledge – Visit psrecycling.org for the latest resources, insights, and news.
- Advocating for recycling access – Support initiatives that improve polystyrene recycling in your community.
Launching the Polystyrene Recycling Alliance is a significant step toward a more sustainable future, and we’re proud to be leading the way. Together, we can reshape the conversation around polystyrene—one recycled product at a time!