DePoly and PTI demonstrate closed-loop recycled PET bottle
- DePoly chemically depolymerised mixed PET and polyester streams to Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA).
- The PTA was re-polymerised into PET pellets and processed by injection stretch blow molding into bottles by PTI.
- Feedstock included mixed PET packaging, polyester fibres and industrial waste with varied additives.
- Preliminary NIAS screening of the rPET sample showed compliance with overall and specific migration requirements for food contact at room temperature and below, including hot fill.
Overview
DePoly and PTI collaborated to produce a closed-loop recycled PET bottle by chemically recycling mixed PET and polyester waste into monomers and remanufacturing finished bottles.
Process
DePoly's technology depolymerised mixed PET and polyester feedstock back to Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA). That PTA was used to produce PET pellets, which PTI processed by injection stretch blow molding to produce bottles.
Feedstock and product
The project used a broad mix of feedstock: PET packaging, polyester fibres and industrial waste, including materials with varied additives. Producing blown bottles—one of the more challenging end products—demonstrated the material and processing capability in prototype trials.
Compliance and partner feedback
A preliminary screening analysis of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) on the rPET sample indicated compliance with overall and specific migration requirements for typical PET substances in contact with all types of food during long-term storage at room temperature and below, including hot fill. Both partners described the trial outcome as promising and a validation of the technology's versatility and processing expertise.
Source: dePoly