Carbios develops enzyme technology for plastic and textile recycling
French biotech firm Carbios has developed an enzyme-based technology to recycle plastic and textile waste. The process transforms PET plastics and polyester textiles into new high-quality materials.
French biotechnology company Carbios is advancing plastic and textile waste management with its proprietary enzyme technology. The company aims to enable a circular economy by transforming waste materials into valuable resources.
Carbios' core innovation lies in its enzymes, which can depolymerize PET plastics and polyester fibers into their original monomers. These monomers are then purified and re-polymerized to create new, high-quality materials, effectively closing the loop for plastics and textiles. The company also offers technology for compostable PLA plastics.
The effectiveness of Carbios' technology has been demonstrated through collaborations with major brands. Notable achievements include the development of the first commercial bottle made from 100% enzymatically recycled PET for L'OCCITANE en Provence. Additionally, the company participated in the creation of the first 100% fiber-to-fiber biorecycled garment by a multi-brand consortium.
Carbios' approach provides a solution to the mounting challenges of plastic and textile waste, focusing on creating closed-loop systems that reduce reliance on virgin resources and minimize environmental impact. The company emphasizes that its recycling processes are compatible with existing industrial production chains.