Chemical recycling PET – Itelyum Acquires Plasta Rei to Boost Chemical Recycling of PET in Italy 05-12-2025
Chemical recycling PET
Itelyum Secures Full Control of Plasta Rei to Accelerate Chemical Recycling of PET in Italy
Itelyum, a leading Lodigiano-based company specializing in the management, regeneration, and valorisation of industrial waste, has strengthened its position in Italy’s rapidly growing PET recycling sector. The company has officially acquired the remaining shares of Plasta Rei, gaining full control of the Lazio-based firm known for its advanced chemical recycling technology for PET waste.
This acquisition builds on Itelyum’s initial investment made last year and signals the group’s commitment to expanding into high-quality recycled plastics, especially as demand for food-grade recycled PET continues to rise across Europe. chemical recycling PET
A Strategic Move in the Emerging Chemical Recycling Sector
Chemical recycling of PET—unlike traditional mechanical methods—can break polymer chains down to their original monomers and rebuild them into new, high-purity plastic. This capability is especially important for closed-loop applications such as food-contact packaging, where material quality and purity are critical. chemical recycling PET
Plasta Rei has been one of the pioneering Italian players in this field. Its technologies focus on depolymerizing polyester waste and transforming it into a secondary raw material of virgin-like quality. With Itelyum’s complete acquisition, the group reinforces its strategy to integrate advanced recycling solutions within its broader portfolio of circular industrial processes.
Pilot Plant Success in Cisterna di Latina
Over the past year, Plasta Rei has operated a pilot plant located in Cisterna di Latina. This facility has played a central role in demonstrating the technical viability of the company’s patented chemical recycling process.
The pilot plant has shown that it is possible to obtain a regenerated material comparable in performance and purity to virgin PET. The recycled output maintains polymer quality without degradation, making it suitable for food-grade applications and compliant with stringent industry requirements. chemical recycling PET
The process has proven effective not only with PET from post-consumer packaging collected through differentiated waste streams but also with mixed polyester waste originating from other sectors. This flexibility is key to scaling chemical recycling across multiple industries.
A New “Short-Loop” Depolymerization Plant in Latina
Following the successful validation of its technology, Plasta Rei is preparing to build a full-scale “short-loop” depolymerization facility. The new plant will be installed inside a decommissioned industrial site in the province of Latina, formerly operated by Nalco.
The choice of site supports both environmental redevelopment and the reuse of existing industrial infrastructure. The future plant aims to create a local, efficient, and high-quality supply of regenerated PET monomers that can be reintroduced into the production cycle without loss of performance. chemical recycling PET
The short-loop model is designed to reduce logistics, energy consumption, and the environmental impact traditionally associated with long, globalized supply chains. It aligns with Europe’s shift toward more regionally integrated circular systems.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Food-Grade Recycled PET
Across Europe, regulators, brand owners, and packaging producers are facing rapidly growing pressure to incorporate higher percentages of recycled materials into their products. Food-grade recycled PET remains one of the most sought-after materials due to its ability to close the loop on beverage and food packaging. chemical recycling PET
With EU directives pushing for minimum recycled content, the market demand for high-purity rPET is expected to increase sharply in the coming years. Mechanical recycling alone cannot meet this need, as certain types of PET waste are contaminated, degraded, or unsuitable for food-contact applications.
By integrating Plasta Rei’s chemical recycling technology into its operations, Itelyum positions itself to serve this expanding market with a reliable supply of high-quality secondary raw materials. chemical recycling PET
A Step Forward for Italy’s Circular Economy
Itelyum’s acquisition of Plasta Rei marks a significant step in Italy’s transition toward advanced plastic circularity. The combination of industrial experience, established infrastructure, and cutting-edge depolymerization technology creates a solid foundation for scaling innovative recycling processes.
This development strengthens Italy’s role in the European recycling landscape and provides a strategic pathway for meeting future sustainability, regulatory, and market requirements. As the new plant progresses and production capacity increases, Itelyum is set to become a key contributor to the next generation of circular PET materials. chemical recycling PET
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