Plastic Waste and CO₂ as Feedstocks for Basic Chemicals
The article presents Cyclize as a start-up rethinking plastic waste utilisation in the chemical industry. Using a plasma-based process, Cyclize produces synthesis gas — carbon monoxide and hydrogen — from mixed plastic waste and CO₂. This synthesis gas can be used to manufacture essential chemical building blocks such as methanol or carbonyl chloride, enabling the replacement of fossil feedstocks while keeping carbon in the material cycle rather than releasing it as CO₂ through incineration.
Plasma Technology Developed from Academic Research
Cyclize’s technology originated at the Institute of Photovoltaics at the University of Stuttgart, where the plasma reactor was developed to split stable carbon-containing compounds. In the non-thermal plasma, high-energy electrons break chemical bonds, converting plastic waste and CO₂ into CO and H₂. Unlike conventional recycling methods, the process can handle plastic fractions such as PE and PET that are unsuitable for mechanical recycling. By using plastic waste directly as a carbon source, the process requires significantly less energy than splitting CO₂ alone, making industrial application economically viable.
From University Spin-off to Industrial Application
The article traces Cyclize’s development from early laboratory prototypes to industrial-scale reactors. Following the company’s spin-off in 2021 and support through the EXIST research transfer programme, the team focused on scaling the technology. Several reactor iterations later, Cyclize is preparing to deploy its first pilot plant in a chemical park, located directly next to the synthesis gas off-taker. Backed by a recent seed financing round of nearly five million euros, the company aims to enable large chemical and refinery sites to transition toward circular carbon use while remaining economically competitive.
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Carl – Die Zukunft der Labore ist Roth is the industry magazine of Carl Roth GmbH + Co. KG, a long-established German provider of laboratory supplies and solutions. The publication focuses on innovation, technology and trends in laboratory science, sharing insights and developments that shape modern lab operations and scientific progress. With a strong connection to research and industry practice, Carl serves as a platform for experts, startups and established companies to discuss scientific advancements and their application in real-world laboratory environments.
