PET Chemical Recycling Process Qualified and Commercialized
Process will be offered as a license package globally by Axens.
Axens, IFPEN (the French Institute of Petroleum) and JEPLAN announced the commercial launch of the Rewind PET Process, which will be marketed globally as a license package to Axens customers.
Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN formed a strategic partnership in 2020 to develop the Rewind PET chemical recycling process, which can be used to recycle all types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste. With the support of the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), this collaboration resulted in the construction, commissioning and startup of the semi-industrial Rewind PET unit at JEPLAN’s plant in Kitakyushu, Japan, in September 2023.
The Rewind PET process depolymerizes PET using glycolysis. Source: Axens.
The validation and commercial launch of Rewind PET follows the positive outcome of a year-long program of tests carried out in the demonstration unit. A large-scale test program demonstrated the effectiveness and reliability of the process while treating postconsumer PET waste. According to Axens, results and launch are on schedule, in line with the ambitions announced by the three partners. Axens is now in a position to offer a complete Rewind PET license package, including basic process design (which may be modularized), performance guarantees, supply of proprietary equipment and technical support for the startup, and operation of its customers' industrial units.
Rewind PET involves the continuous depolymerization of PET by glycolysis, followed by purification of the resulting monomer, BHET (Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate). Its main advantage for manufacturers lies in its ability to separate all additives and colorants to restore a pure BHET monomer, which can be easily re-polymerized in existing (or new) polymerization plants. Recycled PET produced from the semi-industrial plant's pure BHET monomer has already received approval from several major companies in the food packaging and cosmetics sectors, underlining its potential for widespread market adoption.
"With this innovative process, we can support our clients in achieving their ambitious targets for the incorporation of recycled materials in many industrial sectors, starting with packaging and textiles. It is a powerful response to the challenges of ecological transition for manufacturers and brand owners looking for reliable, sustainable solutions to adapt their industrial facilities,” says Quintin Debuisschert, chairman and CEO of Axens.
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