A significant partnership has been announced by Plast Nordic with the Norwegian polymer research centre Norner to establish a PET chemical recycling plant in the Nordic region. This initiative marks a substantial leap towards promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility in the plastics industry.
Norner, a Norway-based chemical recycler, has been diligently preparing to construct chemical recycling facilities in the Nordics since 2019. The company has secured an exclusive commercial agreement for the utilization of gr3n’s innovative Microwave Assisted Depolymerisation (MADE) technology in the Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
In the process of selecting a suitable location for the factory, Plast Nordic has carefully evaluated numerous potential sites in Denmark and Norway. Key factors in this decision-making process include the availability of renewable energy, scalability for future growth, access to thermal energy, and logistical capabilities. It is anticipated that the PET depolymerisation facility will commence operations in 2028, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards sustainable plastic recycling.
The collaboration with Norner holds great promise, with the company set to contribute invaluable expertise in business strategy, polymer science, and production technical assessments. This partnership is a testament to the concerted effort and commitment of industry leaders to drive progress in sustainable plastic recycling technologies.
gr3n’s pioneering MADE technology is currently undergoing testing at a demo scale plant in Italy, showcasing its potential for revolutionizing the PET recycling process. The Swiss PET chemical recycler has also solidified plans to construct an industrial scale recycling facility in Spain by 2027, highlighting the widespread adoption and potential of this cutting-edge technology.
The versatility of the MADE technology is evident in its capability to effectively process a variety of materials, including PET bottles and textiles. Whether composed of 100% polyester or mixtures containing up to 30% other materials such as PU, cotton, polyether, or polyurea, these materials are all suitable feedstock for the recycling process. Through the application of microwave technology to alkaline hydrolysis, the technology efficiently breaks down PET into its main monomers, presenting an economically viable approach to PET recycling.
The process results in the breakdown of PET and polyester plastic into its core components – PTA and MEG monomers – which can be reassembled to produce virgin-like plastics, thus enabling endless recycling loops. The polymers obtained from this innovative process have the potential to displace feedstock material from fossil fuels, contributing to the establishment of a circular system for bottle-to-textile, textile-to-textile, or even textile-to-bottle recycling.
This ambitious project represents a crucial step forward in advancing sustainable solutions for plastic recycling. The collaboration between Plast Nordic and Norner, alongside the integration of gr3n’s cutting-edge technology, underscores the industry’s commitment to embracing environmentally responsible practices. By harnessing technological innovation and strategic partnerships, the journey towards a circular and sustainable plastic recycling ecosystem is well underway.