Nylon – Carbios and Selenis have formed a partnership to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging waste into PETG, a material highly regarded in these industries for its exceptional clarity, durability, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress 30-09-2024

Nylon

• R-PET Resin – LYB lays foundation for 1st industrial-scale advanced recycling plant at Wesseling, Germany, site 23-09-2024
• New enzyme technology for environmentally friendly plastic recycling

Nylon

 

Carbios and Selenis have formed a partnership to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging waste into PETG, a material highly regarded in these industries for its exceptional clarity, durability, and resistance to mechanical and chemical stress

PETG is crucial for ensuring the performance, sterility, transparency, and optical brightness of medical and pharmaceutical packaging. It is especially important in complex medical device packaging, pharmaceutical blisters, and various diagnostic equipment.

The collaboration aims to combine Selenis’ extensive expertise in polymerization with Carbios’ innovative enzymatic depolymerization technology. Together, they plan to transform PET waste from the European and American cosmetics and healthcare sectors into premium PETG material. Nylon

Carbios’ enzymatic depolymerization process breaks down PET waste into pure PET and PTA monomers. When Selenis applies its advanced polymerization techniques to these monomers, the resulting recycled PETG possesses properties identical to those of virgin PETG. This means products can be safely packaged in thick, molded pots and lids without compromising on quality or performance.

To ensure the bio-recycled PETG meets the stringent requirements of cosmetic and healthcare packaging, Carbios and Selenis have conducted extensive pilot and industrial polymerization trials. Nylon

These trials have been crucial in refining the final product’s quality, ensuring it adheres to industry standards and is ready for commercial use.

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of Carbios, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the long-standing collaboration between the two companies. “We are pleased to build on this established relationship to produce PETG issued from Carbios’ unique bio-recycling technology,” he stated. Nylon

Ladent emphasized that the high-specialty, premium material not only meets demanding quality requirements but also contributes to the transition toward more sustainable packaging materials. He noted that the partnership would open new markets for Carbios, particularly in the healthcare sector, as the company continues its worldwide commercial deployment.

Eduardo Santos, Head of Corporate Strategy at Selenis, echoed this sentiment, describing the collaboration as an exciting step in their mission to drive sustainability in the polymerization industry. Nylon

“By combining our 65 years of expertise with Carbios’ pioneering bio-recycling technology that ensures high-quality monomers for the production of virgin-like PETG, we are advancing in the development of sustainable materials,” Santos said. He emphasized the growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions in the cosmetic and healthcare sectors and the potential for this partnership to reshape the future of sustainable plastics.

This initiative comes on the heels of Carbios signing a Letter of Intent with FCC Environment UK. The agreement aims to take an evidence-based approach to the advantages of using enzymes to treat and recycle PET in the UK. Recycling rates have reportedly plateaued in the region, but FCC Environment supports government policies pushing for a circular economy. The company believes that developments in bio-recycling, such as those pioneered by Carbios, could play a significant role in enhancing recycling efforts and reducing environmental impact. Nylon

In addition to the efforts of Carbios and Selenis, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed a new chemical process that can “essentially vaporize” polyethylene, polypropylene, and mixed-plastic waste into building blocks for repolymerization. This innovative process is expected to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels required to produce new plastics. It also has the potential to unlock circularity for various single-use plastics, including clear PET water bottles, which are ubiquitous and contribute significantly to plastic waste. Nylon

The collaboration between Carbios and Selenis represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging solutions for the cosmetics and healthcare industries.

By leveraging cutting-edge technologies, they aim to transform plastic waste into valuable resources, promoting circularity and reducing the environmental footprint of plastic packaging. The production of bio-recycled PETG that matches the quality and performance of virgin material is a critical step toward achieving sustainability goals in these sectors.

The combined expertise of both companies positions them to meet the stringent demands of the market while also addressing environmental concerns. Their efforts align with a broader industry trend toward adopting sustainable practices and developing materials that reduce reliance on non-renewable resources. Nylon

As they continue to refine their processes and expand their market reach, Carbios and Selenis are poised to make a significant impact on the future of sustainable plastics.

This partnership not only addresses the pressing need for high-quality, sustainable packaging materials but also serves as a model for how industry leaders can collaborate to drive innovation and environmental responsibility. By turning waste into premium products, they are setting a precedent for others in the industry to follow, contributing to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Furthermore, the advancements made by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley complement these industry efforts by providing new methods to tackle plastic waste. Their process of vaporizing plastic waste into repolymerization building blocks could revolutionize how we handle single-use plastics. By reducing the need for fossil fuels in plastic production, this technology could significantly lower the environmental impact of plastic manufacturing and waste. Nylon

The collective efforts of companies like Carbios and Selenis, along with academic research, indicate a strong movement toward sustainable practices in the plastics industry. These developments are crucial in addressing the global challenge of plastic waste management and environmental conservation. As consumer demand for environmentally friendly products continues to rise, such initiatives are not only beneficial for the planet but also make good business sense.

In summary, the collaboration between Carbios and Selenis to bio-recycle cosmetic and healthcare packaging into PETG represents a meaningful stride toward sustainability. By integrating advanced technologies and expertise, they are transforming waste into valuable, high-quality materials that meet industry standards.

This initiative, along with ongoing research and other industry partnerships, highlights a growing commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation in addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. Nylon