PET RECYCLING | TECHNOLOGY
Alternative approaches to mechanical and chemical recycling of PET, including depolymerisation, are investigated by Mikell Knights
Novel technologies advance PET recycling
Microwave treatment and enzyme-based depoly- merisation represent emerging technology advances in recycling methods for waste PET. The innovative approaches to decontaminating and purifying waste PET materials also promote energy savings and an environmental impact reduction. Switzerland-based company Gr3n offers a novel
PET recycling method that involves microwave- assisted depolymerisation, an approach that seeks to redefine the efficiency and environmental impact of recycling PET compared to mechanical and chemical recycling processes. Spearheaded by experts including Maurizio
Crippa, CEO, and founder of Gr3n, microwave-assist- ed depolymerisation leverages microwave energy to break down waste PET at the molecular level. Targeted microwave radiation is used to initiate and control the depolymerisation process, where the long polymer chains of PET are split into their basic monomers, terephthalic acid (TPA) and monoethyl- ene glycol (MEG), said Crippa. The monomers can be combined to create new PET pellets with virgin- like, food-grade quality for packaging and textiles. The process consistently delivers the potential
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for high-purity output, according to the company. This aligns with circular economy principles, enabling a continuous loop of PET production and reuse without degradation of quality, Crippa said. In a typical setup, PET waste is shredded into
small flakes and placed in a reactor designed by Gr3n. The selective heating provided by micro- waves applied within the reactor facilitates a controlled reaction environment, ensuring that the PET decomposes uniformly. The precision and dura- tion in which microwaves are applied contributes to lower energy consumption compared to conven- tional chemical recycling methods that rely on heated reactors and costly catalysts, Crippa said. A notable feature of the Gr3n system is its sophisticated monitoring and control capabilities. The reactor’s design allows operators to adjust power levels and reaction parameters with preci- sion, enabling real-time monitoring and fine-tuning to optimise yield and efficiency. This adaptability makes the process more versatile and applicable to various scales of recycling operations, from pilot programs to full-scale industrial applications. Crippa noted that the adaptability of the system
Main image: PET is widely used in packaging, not just in bottles but also trays
November/December 2024 | PLASTICS RECYCLING WORLD 31
IMAGE: D ELDRIDGE
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