JEPLAN attains license for chemical recycling to tackle plastic waste globally

JEPLAN Co., Ltd., in partnership with Axens and IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), announced last week the commercial deployment of the Rewind® PET chemical recycling process. The approval follows a successful demonstration at JEPLAN’s Kitakyushu Hibikinada Plant (KHP).

The Rewind® PET process recycles all types of post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET), including those challenging to recycle mechanically. The technology uses glycolysis to break down PET into BHET (bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate) monomers, which are then purified to remove additives and colorants. This purified BHET can be repolymerized at existing or new plants to produce high-quality recycled PET suitable for industries such as food packaging and cosmetics, which have already shown strong market acceptance.

This process is a significant step towards a circular economy by providing an alternative to landfilling or incinerating plastics. Axens will now provide technology licenses globally, allowing for the recycling of a wide range of used PET products.

JEPLAN, Axens, and IFPEN formed a strategic partnership in 2020 to develop this advanced recycling process, with support from the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME). This partnership led to the successful construction and operation of a semi-industrial demonstration unit at KHP in September. The demonstration verified the technology’s effectiveness and reliability, leading to Axens’ approval for commercial use.

Axens will license the technology, including basic process design, performance guarantees, specialized equipment, and technical support for new recycling plants worldwide. Despite ambitious timelines, JEPLAN and its partners made steady progress. With Axens’ licensing approval, Rewind® PET is ready for large-scale adoption, offering a crucial tool to circular plastics.