CUTTING-EDGE Recycling Technologies is hoping to do the same for polystyrene as it did for plastics.

The Swindon firm has signed an agreement with INEOS Styrolution in a bid to make polystyrene a sustainable material.

It follows Recycling Technologies developing the RT7000, a machine that turns any plastic into a liquid that can be resused.

The firm, based in Stirling Road, has already completed a detailed research and trials and is basing the idea on the RT7000.

CEO and founder of Recycling Technologies Ltd Adrian Griffiths said: “We are delighted to enter this partnership to develop a commercial solution to recycle polystyrene.

“This partnership creates the basis for a more circular economy in polystyrene allowing its users to achieve their challenging recycling targets set by all the stakeholders.

“To date we have focused on the recycling of mixed plastic waste. This initiative will allow us to develop and expand our solutions to address a new and important market – recycling polystyrene.”

Both INEOS and Recycling Technologies believe this process has the potential to make a recycled polystyrene which meets food packaging regulations.

Vice-president at INEOS Sven Riechers said: “Recycling Technologies’ technology is very promising to drive our joint agenda forward.

“I am looking forward to a fruitful collaboration in the interest of the environment, our customers and the consumers.”