Connect with us

Technology

Polystyvert secures $16M to revolutionize polystyrene recycling, enabling the global deployment of innovative technology for sustainable polystyrene production from plastic waste

Published

on

MONTRÉAL, July 8, 2024 /CNW/ – Polystyvert, an innovative company specializing in recycling technologies and the circular economy of styrenic plastics (polystyrene and ABS), announces the closing of a first tranche of a Series B funding for over $16 million. This investment represents another step for the company towards the construction of its very first commercial plant in Québec, dedicated to recycling highly contaminated polystyrene waste. With funding from European and North American investors, Polystyvert will further solidify its position as a leader in the field of styrenic plastics circularity, thanks to its patented dissolution and purification technology. Other investors will participate in the second tranche of this financing to enable the Series B round to raise up to $30M.

A Crucial Step for Polystyvert’s Future
With an increasingly stringent environmental regulatory framework worldwide and a growing demand for sustainable solutions in plastic recycling, this Series B fundraising arrives at a strategic moment for Polystyvert. It lays the ground for the industrial-scale commercialization of its technology already proven at the pilot and demonstration unit scale.

“This announcement, in the current economical context, reflects the unwavering support of our investors in our team and our proven technology, which is not only economically viable but also represents the shortest recycling loop for this type of waste, greatly reducing its environmental footprint. All the conditions for success are thus met to move forward with the next steps towards our first commercial plant in Montréal. This is a key step in the promotion of our technology, which will allow us to achieve our ambitious goals in order to break into strategic global markets and position ourselves as a key player in the circularity of styrenic plastics in collaboration with the industrial leaders of this value chain,” said Ms. Nathalie Morin, President and CEO of Polystyvert.

Remaining true to its roots as a technological innovator, part of this funding will also be dedicated to further diversify Polystyvert’s intellectual property (IP) portfolio, which already includes over forty patents with worldwide coverage.

Financial Partners’ Support
Polystyvert is grateful to the investors in the Series B round who are supporting the company in a new era in the circularity of highly contaminated styrenic plastics. Infinity Recycling led the round, followed by SWEN Blue Ocean, and Earth Foundry, an existing shareholder. 

“Polystyvert’s game-changing recycling process upcycles contaminated plastic waste into premium materials.  This commitment to scaling advanced recycling technologies is crucial in tackling the plastic waste crisis and fostering sustainable circular market growth,” declared Jan-Willem Muller, Managing Partner at Infinity Recycling.

“Polystyvert has developed a unique technology to recycle styrenic polymers. It combines the best of mechanical and chemical recycling with low costs, small-scale units, ability to treat contaminated feedstock and virgin-quality end products. This technology will create new markets for styrenic polymer wastes and help divert them from nature and landfill,” declared Olivier Raybaud, Managing Director at SWEN Blue Ocean.

An Influential Player in Plastic Waste Decontamination
By positioning itself as a key player in the circular economy of styrenic plastics, Polystyvert collaborates with international industry leaders who aim to achieve zero plastic waste goals, in line with UN negotiations and government environmental policies. Furthermore, the technology directly addresses the challenges of plastic waste purification through processes that remove all contaminants found in plastic compounds, allowing safe recycled content to be used in the same applications as virgin resin.

Following the closing of the first tranche of the funding, the Series B round will remain open for a second tranche that is expected to close within the next three months, for a total amount from both tranches of up to $30M. Polystyvert’s first commercial recycling plant, to be located in Montreal (Canada), is expected to be operational in 2026.

About Infinity Recycling
Infinity Recycling BV was established in 2019 to create markets for end-of-life waste streams by investing in advanced technologies that enable circularity in the plastics industry. Their first offering, the Circular Plastics Fund, contributes to solving the plastic waste problem and unlocking much-needed capacity in high-in-demand recycled commodities. The fund implements a return and impact-driven investment strategy that drives value creation in advanced recycling and accelerates the transition to a circular economy for plastics. Building on the momentum in investor interest and deployment, the fund recently closed their first fund for €175 million.

About SWEN Blue Ocean
SWEN Blue Ocean backs startups that deliver both systemic impact and competitive market returns. Our focus is on solutions to overfishing, ocean pollution and marine solutions to climate change. SWEN Blue Ocean’s first fund was launched at the World Conservation Congress of the IUCN in 2021, in scientific partnership with Ifremer. The strategy deploys €170 million in innovative ocean health startups, with over 80% institutional investors.

About Earth Foundry
Earth Foundry’s founding team pioneered a new way of investing in and building cleantech startups more than a decade ago and has been honoured to serve as early investors catalyzing groundbreaking climate innovations. Now scaling up its unique model, Earth Foundry continues its unwavering dedication to building great companies that drive positive change across energy, mobility, water, waste and agriculture innovations.

About Polystyvert
Founded in 2011, Polystyvert is a Montreal-based clean technology company that is revolutionizing plastic recycling by implementing a circular economy. Through its unique process of dissolution-based recycling and low-temperature, low-pressure purification, Polystyvert can recycle and purify plastic waste that is typically considered non-recyclable due to high contamination. The result is a recycled raw material of unparalleled purity that can replace virgin plastics while reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by up to 90% in an economical manner, meeting the needs of various sectors.

Polystyvert provides the shortest recycling loop for both polystyrene and ABS, serving industries such as packaging, construction, electronics, automotive, and toys. The technology is protected by over 40 patents across 17 countries.

Contact :

Fabrice Giguère
Communications Advisor
514 262-2437
fgiguere@polystyvert.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/polystyvert-secures-16m-to-revolutionize-polystyrene-recycling-enabling-the-global-deployment-of-innovative-technology-for-sustainable-polystyrene-production-from-plastic-waste-302190214.html

SOURCE Polystyvert Inc.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Supreme Court Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin Joins Elementary Students for Live Virtual Q&A and Chapter One Storybook Reading on Sep. 24

Published

on

By

The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET, following a reading of the children’s storybook, “Daanis the Judge.” This event is hosted by Chapter One, a children’s literacy charity, to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Lawyer Victoria Perrie, writer of “Daanis the Judge,” will read aloud the inspiring story, which is based on Justice O’Bonsawin’s remarkable journey. Illustrator EJ Miller-Larson will join Justice O’Bonsawin and Perrie in a moderated Q&A session with over 1900 elementary students.

TORONTO, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Honourable Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin, the first Indigenous person to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, will join elementary students in a live virtual Q&A following a live online reading of the original children’s storybook “Daanis the Judge,” on September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET. The event will be hosted by Chapter One to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Chapter One is a children’s literacy charity that provides 1:1 high-impact reading tutoring and co-creates original storybooks with participating communities nationwide.

“I am very humbled and proud to be a part of the book, “Daanis the Judge.” My hope is that this book will inspire youth to dream big and know that anything is possible. I am evidence of that!” – Justice Michelle O’Bonsawin

Métis-Cree lawyer Victoria Perrie, who wrote “Daanis the Judge,” will lead the live reading. Students will ask questions during a moderated Q&A with Justice O’Bonsawin, Perrie, and illustrator EJ Miller-Larson, of the Fond du Lac Band and Oneida Nation.

“Daanis the Judge” was inspired by Justice O’Bonsawin’s trailblazing career. It tells the story of a young student, Daanis, who dreams of becoming a judge after learning about Justice O’Bonsawin’s achievements.

The story is part of Chapter One’s growing collection of original children’s e-storybooks, co-created with Indigenous writers, illustrators and communities. The e-storybooks celebrate Indigenous experiences and perspectives, and feature audio clips of Elders pronouncing foundational words in their communities’ first languages. All e-storybooks are provided for free through the Global Free Library.

About Chapter One

Chapter One (chapterone.org/ca) is a global nonprofit and registered Canadian charity that provides one-on-one early literacy tutoring programs to 2,300 children in eight provinces and territories across Canada. Its proven “short burst” high-impact tutoring approach—five-minute sessions, three to five times a week—is ideally suited to young children’s attention spans and aligns with the Science of Reading. In one of the largest randomized control trials conducted on early literacy instruction, researchers from Stanford University found that 7 out of 10 students receiving Chapter One high impact tutoring achieved phonics benchmarks by the end of Kindergarten, compared to 32% in the control group.

Children at risk of reading failure receive 1:1 reading support from trained, paid paraprofessional tutors through Chapter One’s online reading platform and custom software. Programs are delivered in-person and virtually in classrooms through agreements with schools and school boards, and at home on families’ smartphones, connecting struggling readers with individualized reading support—regardless of location and circumstance, even in some of the most geographically remote communities in Canada.

In addition to its tutoring programs, Chapter One collaborates with Indigenous communities to co-create children’s stories that represent the communities’ priorities and experiences and advance language revitalization efforts. The e-storybooks are provided for free online, as part of the Global Free Library.

Event details

The Live Virtual Q&A and Reading of “Daanis the Judge” with the Honourable Justice O’Bonsawin takes place on Tuesday, September 24, from 1:00-2:15 pm ET via Zoom. The event is open to elementary classes (Grades 1-6). Teachers/principals must register their classes in advance using this link.

Media Contact

Denise Orosa, Chapter One Canada, 1 4374224825, denise.orosa@chapterone.org, chapterone.org/ca

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/supreme-court-justice-michelle-obonsawin-joins-elementary-students-for-live-virtual-qa-and-chapter-one-storybook-reading-on-sep-24-302254639.html

SOURCE Chapter One Canada

Continue Reading

Technology

PEAC Institute Launches “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert”

Published

on

By

24 Hour Pause for Peace Will Be the Largest Peace Initiative Ever Worldwide, Unifying 96 Countries on Six Continents Through Music

MONTCLAIR, N.J., Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — On this International Day of Peace, PEAC Institute, part of the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize winning team, has launched “24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert,” the largest peace initiative ever organized worldwide through music.

“Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.”

On October 4, 2025, this ground-breaking program will activate a massive network of youth ensembles that spans 96 countries and territories across six continents and host two 24-hour commercial festivals featuring some of the biggest acts in music and entertainment. This extraordinary day-long event will be live-streamed globally, allowing millions to participate simultaneously.

“It has been 40 years since Live Aid and We Are the World historically unified and changed the world through music,” said Rebecca Irby, president and CEO of PEAC Institute. “With our planet riddled with post-pandemic fatigue, climate chaos, unsettling wars and more, we believe it is time to create a new trajectory for humanity by inviting everyone around the globe to a 24 hour pause for peace to enjoy the sounds of music and feel the transformative power of human connection,” Irby explained.

Additionally, 24 Hour Pause for Peace plans to amass more than 100 million ambassadors to sign an appeal to the United Nations calling for a 24 hour ceasefire during the children’s concerts and commercial music events. All countries are welcome to participate with no exceptions. One of Pause for Peace’s core beliefs is everyone has the right to be equally respected and heard, particularly in collectively calling for peace.

“Achieving this ambitious global endeavor requires the support and participation from the most impactful brands, organizations, and influential leaders, artists and celebrities,” said Jennifer McKenna, 24 Hour Pause for Peace CEO.

Pause for Peace is a $165 million global initiative. Currently, it is in its first phase of raising seed capital through consumer brand-aligned sponsorships and private donors. Funding for the program is tax-deductible through PEAC’s 501(c)(3) status.

“We have assembled an exceptional executive team of change agents in entertainment, production, consumer marketing, charitable development and global security to make this extraordinary, worldwide peace event happen.” McKenna added. “Now, we need companies, government entities, other nonprofits and donors who care about our cause for peace to join us in lifting up the biggest event of this generation.” To become involved in 24 Hour Pause for Peace: A Global Concert as a sponsor, partner or donor, sign up to be an Ambassador, or for more information, go to www.24hourpauseforpeace.org.

About PEAC Institute

PEAC Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the United States. PEAC stands for peace, education, art and communication. It was formed in 2016 through a campaign with partner organization, International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), which garnered a 2017 Nobel Peace Prize. PEAC now holds special consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations and has a global presence working with countries and territories worldwide to reach the most marginalized youth through art and communication activities to help them explore and express. For more information on PEAC Institute, go to www.peacinstitute.org.

Media Contact

Chadwick Boyd, Pause for Peace, 1 4046060611, chadwick@24hourpauseforpeace.org, www.24hourpauseforpeace.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/peac-institute-launches-24-hour-pause-for-peace-a-global-concert-302254527.html

SOURCE Pause for Peace

Continue Reading

Technology

Global Times: China opens 12 nuclear research facilities to global scientists

Published

on

By

The involved facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

VIENNA, Sept. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — China will open 12 nuclear research facilities and testing platforms to international scientists and institutions to enhance global cooperation, a senior Chinese official said here on Monday.

These include the China Advanced Research Reactor, the new-generation tokamak device Huanliu-3, and the Beishan Underground Research Laboratory, Liu Jing, vice chairman of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA), said at a meeting on the sidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) annual general conference.

The facilities span areas such as basic nuclear research, isotope production, nuclear environment simulation, equipment testing, and radioactive waste treatment and disposal.

Monday’s meeting, themed “Share for Development,” was organized by the CAEA to promote international cooperation in nuclear technology research and development, as China marks the 40th anniversary of its accession to the IAEA.

Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation, said at the event that the company aims to deepen cooperation with the IAEA and expand international collaboration. He expressed hope that opening China’s nuclear research facilities will contribute to advancing nuclear technology globally.

IAEA’s Deputy Director General Mikhail Chudakov commended China’s remarkable achievements in nuclear energy development and highlighted the long-standing, fruitful relationship between the IAEA and the CAEA.

Welcoming China’s decision to open up more of its nuclear research and development facilities, Chudakov said the move will further strengthen the agency’s technical capacity to support its member states.

On Monday evening, the CAEA and China’s permanent mission to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations in Vienna jointly held a reception at the UN headquarters in Vienna to celebrate the 40th anniversary of China’s accession to the IAEA. More than 200 participants, including IAEA representatives and foreign envoys to Vienna, attended the event.

Li Song, China’s permanent representative to the UN and other international organizations in Vienna, said at the reception that China and the IAEA have expanded practical cooperation and jointly promoted the development of nuclear energy over the past 40 years.

China, he said, will continue to strengthen collaboration with the IAEA and its member states to address emerging challenges in international security, safeguard the global non-proliferation regime, and promote the use of nuclear energy and technology for the benefit of the Global South.

At the reception, Liu, Li and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi jointly unveiled a bronze statue of Qian Sanqiang, a renowned Chinese nuclear physicist and one of the founders of China’s nuclear industry.

The statue, donated by China, will be permanently displayed at the IAEA headquarters, alongside sculptures of Polish-French physicist Marie Curie and other prominent figures who have made significant contributions to the peaceful use of nuclear energy.

Contact: xutianshu@globaltimes.com.cn

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-times-china-opens-12-nuclear-research-facilities-to-global-scientists-302254830.html

SOURCE Global Times

Continue Reading

Trending