Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN announce the launch of the commercialization (licensing) by Axens of the Rewind PET process. Axens teams will now be able to market a complete Rewind PET license package to their customers all over the world.

Axen commercialize the Rewind PET chemical recycling process, focusing on packaging and textile sectors.

Rewind PET chemical recycling process

Axens, IFPEN and JEPLAN formed a strategic partnership in 2020 to develop Rewind PET chemical recycling process, which can be used to recycle all types of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, especially the waste difficult to recycle mechanically.

Rewind PET involves the continuous depolymerization of PET by glycolysis, followed by in-depth purification of the resulting monomer, BHET (Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) terephthalate).

Its main advantage lies in its ability to separate all additives and colorants to restore a pure BHET monomer, which can be easily re-polymerized in existing or new polymerization plants.

Recycled PET produced from the semi-industrial plant's pure BHET monomer has already received approval in the food packaging and cosmetics sectors, underlining its potential for widespread market adoption.

Semi-industrial Rewind PET unit

In September 2023, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME) supported in the construction, commissioning and start-up of the semi-industrial Rewind PET unit in Kitakyushu, Japan.

The demonstration unit concluded with a successful one-year test period, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of the process while treating post-consumer PET waste.

Commercial launch of Rewind PET

Axens is now able to offer a complete Rewind PET license package, including basic process design (which may be modularized), performance guarantees, supply of proprietary equipment and technical support for the start-up and operation of its customers’ industrial units.

“JEPLAN has been a pioneer in this field, first with PRT plant in Kawasaki (packaging), then operating the first version of KHP unit (textile),” said Masaki Takao, Representative Director, President, and CEO of JEPLAN.

“With this innovative process, we can support our clients in achieving their ambitious targets for the incorporation of recycled materials in many industrial sectors, starting with packaging and textiles,” stated Quentin Debuisschert, Chairman and CEO of Axens.