Solvent-based recycling of polyester

The project starts at RL3, experimental evidence is available and experiments have been performed.

Ester Technology has developed a technology that recycles polyester in a cost-effective way vs. traditional virgin production.

The technology dissolves polyester textiles - but keeps the molecular chains at the polymer level - which requires significantly less energy than today's chemical recycling methods. Via AP1, the goal is to achieve a process with higher recovery rate and get closer to a closed-loop system.

The goal is to recycle 99% of the solvents in the process, which will further strengthen the cost picture compared to virgin production.

The goal is to take the project to TRL6 and demonstrate the solution in a relevant environment - enabling commercial scale in the long-term.

Compared to virgin production of polyester, the production of PET with the help of Ester Technology's solution will significantly reduce the environmental impact - both in terms of CO2 emissions and energy.