In a groundbreaking development in the field of plastic recycling, Carbios, a leading biotech company, has announced that it will receive grants totaling €54 million from the French State through France 2030 and the Grand-Est Region. The funds will be utilized to construct the world’s first PET biorecycling plant and accelerate research and development (R&D) activities.
Carbios has been at the forefront of developing enzyme-based processes to break down plastic. Its disruptive technologies for the biorecycling of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) and the biodegradation of PLA (polylactic acid) have successfully reached industrial and commercial scale. Since 2021, Carbios’ biorecycling demonstration plant has been operational, and now, with the additional support and funding, they are preparing to commission a first-of-its-kind reference unit in partnership with Indorama Ventures by 2025.
The construction of the reference plant will take place in Longlaville, located in the Grand-Est region of France. The plant will focus on the production of the two essential components of PET, namely PTA (purified terephthalic acid) and MEG (monoethylene glycol). This investment will enable France to play a significant role in advancing the recycling of PET plastics globally.
Operated by ADEME, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, the reference plant will ensure the sale of the initial volumes of recycled PET produced using Carbios’ revolutionary technology. Once fully operational, the plant will have a nominal processing capacity of 50,000 tons of PET waste annually.
Carbios’ CEO, Emmanuel Ladent, expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support from the French State, stating, “Thanks to the French State’s previous support, we were able to demonstrate the economic and environmental competitiveness of our technology at the industrial demonstrator scale in Clermont-Ferrand. The renewed support from ADEME and the Grand-Est Region is crucial for this new industrial step, which marks the start of our international deployment. Our first plant will be the global showcase for our PET biorecycling technology, and we are very proud that it is located in France.”
In addition to the support from industry leaders in the food and beverage sector, such as L’Oréal, Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo, and Suntory, Carbios has also garnered the backing of a textile consortium that includes renowned brands like Patagonia, Puma, PVH Corp, and Salomon. This collective effort highlights the growing recognition and importance of sustainable solutions in the global fight against plastic waste.
The grants received by Carbios are part of the France 2030 investment plan, which aims to address ecological challenges and foster the emergence of future leaders in the field of ecological transition. With a total investment of €54 billion, this plan represents a significant commitment to supporting companies, universities, and research organizations in their pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Carbios’ breakthrough in PET biorecycling technology not only has the potential to revolutionize the plastic recycling industry but also contributes to France’s leadership in driving forward the ecological transition. The construction of the world’s first PET biorecycling plant marks a crucial milestone in Carbios’ international expansion, serving as a global showcase for their pioneering technology. The advancements made by Carbios and its partners bring hope for a more sustainable future and provide a blueprint for combating plastic pollution on a global scale.