Energypolis-based start-up DePoly and specialized in advanced recycling of PET/polyester plastic has announced in January its collaboration with PTI (Plastic Technologies Inc) a leader in sustainable plastic packaging design and development, to create a closed loop recycled PET bottle.
Through its patented technology, DePoly has pioneered a solution to tackle polyester (PET fiber) and break it down to its building blocks (monomers of PET) called Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) and Mono Ethylene Glycol (MEG). The process yields products identical to oil-based counterparts that can be used to produce recycled PET and polyester, reducing the need for fossil fuels, reducing waste and contributing to circularity in the textile and packaging industry.
PTI, with offices and labs in the US and Switzerland, is recognized as the global expert and trusted industry partner in plastic for full package design, development, materials studies, prototyping, sustainability, support, and processing.
A full closed loop
DePoly set out to challenge itself by using PET and Polyester plastic waste from packaging and insulation. The DePoly technology produced a high-quality PTA used to produce recycled PET that was processed into bottles by injection stretch blow molding. This project demonstrates the strengths of bringing together the technical robustness of DePoly and PTI’s extensive expertise in plastic packaging processing and manufacturing. Both companies worked together to demonstrate a closed loop solution for plastic recycling into high grade bottles. Blowing a PET bottle is generally one of the more challenging end products to produce, highlighting the experience of PTI and maturity of DePoly’s technology, capable of bringing a universal approach to PET & Polyester recycling.
In parallel to the bottle sampling, the conclusion of a preliminary screening analysis of non- intentionally added substances (NIAS) in DePoly rPET material is showing that the tested sample complies with the overall and specific migration requirements for the PET typical substances in contact with all types of food at any long-term storage at room temperature and below, including hot fill.
Promising first trials
“For this project we really wanted to challenge ourselves, taking a mixture of different PET and polyester containing waste streams that are blended and have different additives. Being able to hold this bottle in my hands, is a testament to DePoly’s and PTI’s ingenuity and expertise!” Said Dr. Gaetano Dedual, Senior Business Development Manager of DePoly.
“For a premiere, the outcome is promising. With PTI’s technical expertise, the prototyping went well and the quality and performance of the produced samples are similar to a control made from a virgin PET resin!” – Stéphane Morier, Director Project Management of PTI.
Source: DePoly press release