MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 10/25 www.petpla.net 25 The process enables the enzymatic recycling of PET, producing monomers of new-grade quality. These are characterised by high purity and consistent rPET quality, meaning they can be used directly for contact with food. This technology has already progressed from the demonstration plant to industrial scale and is set to be introduced into commercial plants soon. The various steps of enzymatic recycling are pre-treatment (including sorting, washing, etc.), surface preparation, enzymatic depolymerisation (from polymer to monomers), filtration steps, separation of TA (terephthalic acid) and MEG (monoethylene glycol), followed by purification of TA and MEG. The result is monomers of newlike quality. These can then be repolymerised into PET of a quality equivalent to that of new PET obtained from fossil raw materials. Indian PET recycling: Way forward! Design for recycling is the new key to product launches in India and worldwide. Regulatory support from FSSAI and BIS will further expand the scope of rPET in India, including hardto-recycle rPET items (for both packaging and textiles). This will help open up new avenues for everyone in the recycling ecosystem value chain. The sustainable mantra of ‘reduce and reuse’ and technologies for mechanical, B-to-B PET resin, and chemical recycling will help establish a robust ecosystem for ‘recycling and sustainability’ for all. For the 2025-26 financial year, there is a mandatory recycling rate of 30% for rigid plastics, and all these technologies must work hand in hand to achieve this. A similar trend can be observed worldwide. Investments by major players in mechanical recycling and depolymerisation technologies are imminent. ‘Design for sustainability’ and ‘easy recycling’ are currently trending. Many countries have benefited from the ‘circular economy for plastics’ for better waste management, and India will do the same. Versatility, affordability, convenience and recyclability will continue to contribute to the growth of the Indian rPET industry! For more information please contact: Mr RK Gera, Chairman of the Environment Committee of IPI, a Master Trainer & based in Mumbai India, EX-AVP of Reliance-PET Division, [email protected]
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