Within the SPRINT project, we are developing an advanced chemical recycling process for PETtogether with CuRe Technology B.V.. We are working to improve and scale up this process in order to apply it on an industrial scale.
Within this chemical recycling process, we polymerize PET via oligomers. Instead of mechanical recycling (where plastic is physically melted and reshaped), in this process the PET is chemically broken down into smaller units called oligomers. These oligomers are then re-polymerized (assembled) into recycled PET (rPET). This process can be more efficient and produce higher quality recycled material than mechanical recycling. The goal is to scale up the process from a pilot scale (TRL6), to an operational scale (TRL7). In addition to scaling up, we also focus on improving specific steps in the recycling process and automating existing processes. We aim for greater efficiency and consistency in production. Ultimately, our goal is to achieve a TRL-level 8.
Reason for the project
By 2050, the Netherlands must be a circular economy. Products will no longer be landfilled or incinerated, but all materials will be reused. Many plastics, such as polyester (PET), are now mainly recycled mechanically. As a result, the quality of the material deteriorates and the product is only suitable for low-grade applications. CuRe Technology has developed a form of chemical recycling, in which PET is chemically broken down into smaller fragments (oligomers) that are repolymerized immediately afterwards. This means that the material that was first broken down into its basic components (monomers or oligomers) is reassembled into polymers.
The quality of the plastic is retained within this process and the material can be used in high-value applications, such as in food packaging. The technological feasibility of this technique has been demonstrated in a pilot setup capable of processing 20 kg/h of polyester waste in a continuous operation.