Carbios scales enzymatic technology for PET plastic recycling
French biotechnology company Carbios is advancing its enzymatic recycling process toward industrial scale to address PET waste challenges.
Carbios is transitioning its proprietary enzymatic technology from pilot testing to industrial production. Developed by Professor Alain Marty, the process utilizes an engineered enzyme to break down PET polymers into monomers, effectively separating them for reuse in new plastic products. This method is capable of processing both plastic bottles and polyester-based textiles.
Currently operating a demonstration facility in Clermont-Ferrand, France, the company plans to commission a full-scale plant in northeastern France by 2025. The site is projected to handle 50,000 tonnes of PET waste annually. Carbios employs a licensing model, granting other companies access to its proprietary recycling process. The company has already formed a consortium with corporate partners including Nestlé, L'Oréal, and PepsiCo.
While the technology currently faces cost pressures when compared to traditional, petroleum-derived chemical production, industry analysts suggest that legislative changes, such as carbon taxes, could improve the economic viability of the process. The company remains focused on securing reliable raw material streams to support its transition into a scalable industrial solution.