European Chemical Industry News & Insights

CARBIOS and FCC Environment to Develop UK PET Biorecycling Plant

At a glance
  • CARBIOS and FCC Environment signed a Letter of Intent on 6 August 2024.
  • The UK plant will use CARBIOS' enzymatic depolymerization technology to recycle PET waste.
  • The plant will process hard-to-recycle PET waste, including colored, multilayered, and textile waste.
  • CARBIOS aims to be a leading PET recycling technology provider by 2035.

Project Overview

On 6 August 2024, CARBIOS and FCC Environment UK signed a Letter of Intent to explore the establishment of a PET biorecycling plant in the UK. This facility will utilize CARBIOS' enzymatic depolymerization technology to recycle PET plastic and textile waste.

Technological Innovation

CARBIOS' technology enables efficient, solvent-free recycling of PET waste into high-quality recycled PET. This process is particularly effective for hard-to-recycle materials such as colored, multilayered, and polyester textile waste, which are not typically recyclable using conventional methods.

Supporting the Circular Economy

The collaboration aligns with the UK Government's policy to advance a circular economy. FCC Environment aims to contribute to this goal by investing in innovative recycling technologies. The enzymatic process developed by CARBIOS promises lower energy consumption and improved circularity of polymers, making it a valuable addition to the UK's recycling infrastructure.

Future Plans

CARBIOS has ambitious plans to become a leading provider of PET recycling technology by 2035. The UK plant will complement their first industrial-scale enzymatic PET recycling facility currently under construction in Longlaville, France. This partnership with FCC Environment will provide CARBIOS with access to feedstock through established collection systems, enhancing the efficiency and impact of their recycling solution.