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Sign upWorld-first enzyme-based process enabling infinite recycling of PET plastics and fibers.
Technology provides an industrial solution to the recycling of PET plastics and textiles (the dominant polymer in bottles, trays, and textiles made of polyester). The enzymatic recycling technology developed by Carbios deconstructs any type of PET plastic waste into its basic components, which can then be reused to produce new PET plastics of a quality equivalent to virgin ones. This innovation, the first of its kind in the world, was recently recognized in a scientific paper published in the prestigious journal Nature.
Carbios PET biorecycling by CARBIOS
Implemented by Longlaville in Longlaville (France) in 2025
A collaboration between Carbios and Indorama Ventures, the world leader in the production of recycled PET for the bottle market, was announced in February 2022. The project is to build the world’s first PET bio recycling plant in France (Longlaville, Meurthe et Moselle) for 2025, with an estimated processing capacity of approximately 50,000 tons of post-consumer PET waste per year (= 2B bottles). The first industrial unit is scheduled to be operational in early 2025 and is expected to create approximately 150 direct and indirect full-time jobs.
Result
Potential saving of 45,000 tons of co2 equivalent per year
Carbios PET biorecycling by CARBIOS
Implemented by L'Oréal in Clichy (France) in 2025
L’Oréal is the world's leading beauty company.
Result
Successful production of the world’s first food-grade PET plastic bottles produced entirely from enzymatically recycled plastic.
Carbios PET biorecycling by CARBIOS
Implemented by Michelin in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2021
Carbios, and partner of the foundation, Michelin, are a major step closer to achieving a world-first in the tire sector. Michelin have successfully validated the use of Carbios’ enzymatic recycling technology for PET plastic waste in its tires – the testing marks a new step towards 100% sustainable tires. Carbios’ enzymatic recycling process uses an enzyme capable of depolymerizing the PET contained in various plastics or textiles (bottles, trays, polyester clothing, etc.). This major step confirms the potential of Carbios’ process to engage the industry in a responsible transition towards a sustainable circular economy model.
Result
Carbios’ enzymatic recycling process therefore enables Michelin to get one step closer to its sustainable ambitions, and contributes to the entry of tires into a true circular economy. Michelin is committed to achieving 40% sustainable materials (of renewable or recycled origin) by 2030 and 100% by 2050.
Carbios PET biorecycling by CARBIOS
Implemented by Citeo in Longlaville (France) in 2023
The consortium made up of Carbios, Wellman and Valorplast won 30% of the tonnages proposed by Citeo. From 2023, this consortium will be responsible for the recycling of single-layer and multilayer trays. The quantities will be processed by Wellman to separate and mechanically recycle single-layer trays for return to food packaging. The remaining of the flow will be recycled by Carbios from 2025, in its future plant in Longlaville, the first in the world in the world that will enable the biorecycling of all types of PET, especially multilayer PET. Through this project, the French company Carbios will apply on a large scale its unique technology, which uses highly selective enzymes to transform PET pots and trays into PET suitable for food contact. This contract with Citeo has been signed for 9 years.
Result
Result of Citeo's call for tender: 108,000 tons of plastic packaging recycled by 2025; 4 new recycling units built in France, and 5 consolidated thanks to the tender;
Carbios PET biorecycling by CARBIOS
Implemented by PVH Corps in Clermont-Ferrand (France) in 2023
Carbios has signed an agreement with PVH Corp. to join its fiber-to-fiber consortium founded with On, Patagonia, PUMA, and Salomon. Carbios, On, Patagonia, PUMA, PVH Corp., and Salomon collaborate to test and enhance Carbios’ breakthrough biological recycling technology on their own products. The ultimate aim is to prove fiber-to-fiber closed circularity using Carbios’ biorecycling process at an industrial scale in support of the Consortium members’ ambitious sustainability commitments.
Result
Carbios PET biorecycling by CARBIOS
Implemented by Novozymes in Longlaville (France) in 2023
Carbios and Novozymes, the world leader in biological solutions, announce today an exclusive long-term global strategic partnership. This major agreement ensures the long-term production and supply of Carbios’ proprietary PET-degrading enzymes at an industrial scale for the world’s first biological PET-recycling plant due to start production in 2025 in Longlaville (France), as well as Carbios’ future licensee customers. Production at the plant is set to start in 2025 and the processing capacity will be 50,000 tonnes of waste per year
Result
Processing capacity will be 50,000 tonnes of waste per year.
CARBIOS
Enzyme-based solutions for infinite biorecycling and biodegradation of plastics
View company profile Solution websiteRT7000
A machine to chemically recycle plastic waste back into oil
BIO DISPERSIS LC
Recycle vinasse, a polluting residue from the alcohol industry, into organic additives for concrete
The information set out above, is solely for the purposes of information and the Solar Impulse Foundation does not provide any guarantee as to its authenticity, completeness or accuracy. This information does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to buy into, transact or to enter into any agreement with any of the parties or persons mentioned above. Potential investors or interested parties are solely responsible for their investment or business decisions and for performing any due diligence required by the circumstances. The innovator CARBIOS has asserted ownership of the intellectual property rights for images, videos, and content showcased above, affirming full and unrestricted usage rights, and has provided explicit permission for the Solar Impulse Foundation to publish such information designated as "public" in the application form.