The technology and equipment are named after the Möbius strip, which is a symbol of circularity. One advantage of this technology, compared to current state-of-the-art dissolution processes, is its potential for energy efficiency. This is because the selected (low-boiling) solvent can be evaporated and recovered at a low temperature (typically below 120 °C). The use of a low-boiling solvent also enables efficient recovery of polymers with low solvent content. Development and scaling up In recent years, a small team of scientists, engineers, and technicians developed the TNO Möbius dissolution process. After first dissolving polymers in a small-batch setup, they scaled up the process from a plastic waste throughput of a few grams per batch to dozens of grams in a semi-batch process in the current TNO Möbius ‘Metis’ setup. Each stage of the scale-up not only increased waste throughput, but included additional functionalities, such as specific separation steps, and improved process continuity. TNO Möbius Leto The next stage is to further develop the technology and build an even more scaled-up and semi-continuous setup. Completion of this Möbius ‘Leto’ pilot plant, which will include recovery and recycling of the solvent, is planned for Q3 2024. This setup is designed to process polyolefins from packaging waste and ABS plastic from sources such as end-of-life vehicles. We will use the TNO Möbius Leto pilot plant to determine key process parameters for further upscaling towards commercialization of the processing of these waste streams. It will also allow us to produce kilogram-scale polymer samples for our partners so they can test the properties of the recycled polymer for use in their applications. Another goal is to expand the scope of the technology to recover clean polymers from other plastic waste streams, including materials such as discarded carpets, electronics, and construction waste.