#4 Bioengineering enzymes to recycle PET & polyester fibres ft. Bénédicte Garbil @Carbios

Carbios is a French biotech company that has developed enzymatic processes to recycle plastic, particularly PET. They have engineered enzymes specifically for PET and other types of plastic, allowing them to break down the polymers into monomers that can be used to produce new high-quality plastics. They have built a bio-recycling plant in France that can process 50,000 tons of waste per year. Their business model is based on licensing their technology to make it accessible in many countries. Their customers come from various industries, including cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, automotive and textiles. Carbios technology enables the recycling of waste PET (polyester) that is currently being sent to landfills or incinerated. Scaling the technology to other parts of the world, particularly in Asia, where textile manufacturing and consumption are high, requires building a new value chain and addressing challenges in collection, sorting, and preparation. While regulatory aspects can pose challenges, Carbios' technology aligns with existing regulations for recycled PET. However, there is a need for regulations to keep pace with innovation and consider different types of chemical recycling technologies. Traceability along the value chain is ensured through the short loop of Carbios' technology, which allows for a chain of custody. Overall, Carbios' technology has a significant environmental and sustainability impact by enabling the recycling of non-recyclable waste, reducing reliance on oil-based plastics, and cutting down CO2 emissions.

Key Takeaways

• Carbios has developed enzymatic processes to recycle plastic, particularly PET, into high-quality monomers that can be used to produce new plastics.
• Their technology is more sustainable and environmentally friendly compared to mechanical and chemical recycling methods.
• Carbios' bio-recycling plant in France can process 50,000 tons of waste per year and is focused on recycling non-recyclable waste.
• Their business model is based on licensing their technology to make it accessible in many countries.
• Their customers come from various industries, including cosmetics, food and beverage packaging, and textiles.
• The technology enables the production of 100% waste-based PET, reducing reliance on oil-based plastics.
• Traceability along the value chain is ensured through the short loop of Carbios' technology, and external certification is important to build trust and prevent greenwashing.