Kumho Petrochemical in link-up to advance eco-rubber production

OSLO, Norway—Synthetic rubber and chemicals manufacturer Kumho Petrochemical Co. Ltd. has advanced its plans to produce rubber using recycled styrene monomers (RSM) recovered from plastics waste with a new agreement.

The South Korean company signed a memorandum of understanding with Technip Energies N.V. to license a pyrolysis process enabled by U.S. recycling technology company Agilyx Corp.

Technip Energies is the exclusive licensor for the Agilyx technology for the production of the recycled monomer via the pyrolysis of waste polystyrene.

In a Nov. 23 announcement, Agilyx said Kumho Petrochemical will use the RSM in the production of solution styrene-butadiene rubber, a key component for the manufacture of tires.

The MOU follows an earlier agreement between Agilyx and Kumho Petrochemical in August last year to study the development and construction of a chemical recycling project in South Korea.

According to Agilyx, Kumho Petrochemical's stated goal is to commercialize RSM-content products at the beginning in 2026.

Technip Energies' remit is to provide support in all project areas, including around the transfer of a technology license to Kumho Petrochemical.