The global production of PET containers generates over 500 million metric tons of plastic annually, with only 29% currently being recycled. Traditional mechanical recycling faces limitations in maintaining polymer quality through multiple cycles, while chemical recycling processes require significant energy inputs—typically 0.6-0.8 kWh per kilogram of processed material.

The fundamental challenge lies in balancing the quality and performance characteristics of recycled PET against the energy and processing costs required to achieve those properties.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including chemical recycling methods that maintain intrinsic viscosity, multi-layer architectures that optimize material usage, and novel sorting technologies that improve recycling efficiency. These and other approaches demonstrate how rPET can meet demanding technical specifications while remaining economically viable for commercial applications.

1. Polyethylene Terephthalate Depolymerization via Sodium Glycolate Reactive Distillation for BHET Monomer Recovery

EVONIK OPERATIONS GMBH, 2025

Method for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into new PET using a specialized depolymerization process. The method involves reacting PET with a sodium glycolate solution in a reactive distillation column to selectively cleave the polymer into bisphenol A ethylene terephthalate (BHET) monomers. The BHET can then be polymerized back into PET for recycling. This selective depolymerization avoids the formation of other impurities like terephthalic acid and methylene glycol.

2. Method for Producing High Purity PET Intermediate via Specialized Sorting, Fragmenting, and Processing Steps

REVALYU RESOURCES GMBH, 2025

A method to produce high purity PET intermediate for chemical recycling of PET waste back into PET. The method involves using specialized equipment and processing steps to remove impurities, break down PET into smaller oligomers, and further process those oligomers into higher molecular weight PET. This allows recycling PET waste into new PET products with improved quality and reduced contamination compared to traditional chemical recycling methods. The key steps include sorting, fragmenting, separating, heating, cooling, spinning, coloring, and filtering the PET feedstock to produce cleaner, smaller PET fragments that can be further processed into higher molecular weight PET.

3. Method for Producing PET Oligomers via Fragmentation and Sorting of PET Waste

REVALYU RESOURCES GMBH, 2025

Method for producing PET intermediate that allows efficient recycling of PET waste into high quality recycled PET. The method involves fragmenting PET waste into small particles, sorting out impurities, and then depolymerizing the PET fragments into PET oligomers. The oligomers are further processed into PET polymers for making recycled PET products. The fragmenting and sorting steps remove contaminants and enable higher throughput compared to directly depolymerizing whole PET. The oligomer intermediate has improved purity and lower degradation compared to depolymerizing whole PET.

4. Recycled Polyester Resin and Fiber Production via Two-Stage Polycondensation with Reduced Diethylene Glycol Contamination

SK CHEMICALS CO LTD, 2025

Preparation of recycled polyester resin and fiber with high purity and quality for circular plastics. The recycling process involves depolymerizing waste polyester to yield recycled bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (r-BHET). The r-BHET is then polycondensed in two stages, one under low vacuum and the other under high vacuum, to make the polyester resin. This two-stage polycondensation reduces diethylene glycol contamination compared to a single-stage process. The resulting polyester resin has high BHET content and low diethylene glycol ester impurities. The recycled polyester can be used to make fibers with improved thermal resistance compared to traditional recycled polyesters.

5. Injection-Molded Thin-Walled PET Containers with Low-Viscosity Virgin and Recycled PET Blend

ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO KG, 2025

Producing thin-walled PET containers for food packaging that can be easily demolded and won't shatter when dropped. The containers are made by injection molding a low-viscosity PET blend containing virgin PET and recycled PET. The virgin PET lowers the viscosity during extrusion so it can be molded at high pressures for thin walls. The recycled PET provides a high recycled content. The blending and injection molding conditions are optimized to prevent crystallization and sticking. The containers have a ratio of wall thickness to flow path of 1:50 to 1:500 for thin-wall injection molding.

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6. Properties of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET)/Stearic Acid/Green Mussel Shell (GMS) Composite

desi budi ariani, khadijah sayyidatun nisa, fitria ika aryanti - Syiah Kuala University, 2025

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), presents significant environmental challenges. This study explores the incorporation green mussel shell (GMS) as a bio-filler in recycled (rPET) composites to promote sustainability and circular economy practices. rPET/SA/GMS were fabricated using injection molding, with GMS compositions 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% fixed 1% stearic acid (SA) content coupling agent. effects on thermal, mechanical, rheological, morphology properties analyzed differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), universal testing machine (UTM), melt flow index (MFI) testing, electron microscopy (SEM). results indicate that 10% exhibited highest melting temperature (249.5C) due enhanced interfacial interactions, despite decrease crystallinity. However, tensile strength decreased significantly at 5% (8.52 MPa) weak bonding, whereas (12.91 showed slight improvement better SA-assisted dispersion. Rheological analysis revealed rate (162.87 g/10 min) GMS, but higher concentrations reduced flowability increased CaCO filler agglomeration.... Read More

7. Polyester Recycling Method with Subdivision, Microwave Drying, and Tangential Filtration via Rotating Filters

NAN YA PLASTICS CORP, 2025

Recycling method for polyester materials like PET that improves subsequent processability and quality compared to traditional methods. The method involves subdividing, washing, and microwave drying the polyester material to reduce moisture content. Then melt extruding with tangential filtration through rotating filters to remove impurities. This prevents clogging and allows effective filtration without pressure buildup. The tangential filtration angle prevents impurities getting stuck in filter holes. By controlling moisture and avoiding clogging, the recycled polyester has better properties like lower IV variation and impurity levels for downstream processes like spinning and molding.

8. Method for Producing High Purity Intermediate from Recycled Polyester Flakes via Solvent Dissolution and Filtration

REVALYU RESOURCES GMBH, 2025

A method for producing a high purity intermediate product from recycled polyester flakes that can be used to make new polyesters. The method involves sorting and cleaning the flakes to remove impurities, followed by dissolving the flakes in a solvent to extract the polyester. The dissolved polyester is then filtered to remove any remaining impurities. The resulting filtered polyester solution is concentrated to produce the high purity intermediate product. This method allows recycling of post-consumer PET waste into a cleaner and more usable intermediate product for making new polyesters.

9. Practical Experiment on Filament Making Setup for FDM 3D Printer Material from Waste Plastic Bottle

sandeep raut - International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology (IJRASET), 2025

The increasing concern over plastic waste management and the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing have driven innovative solutions such as recycling into 3D printing filament. This practical experiment focuses on design, development, performance analysis of a filament making setup that converts bottles (primarily PET - Polyethylene Terephthalate) usable Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printers. In experimental setup, were collected, cleaned, dried, shredded fine flakes using shredder. These then fed extruder where controlled heating, melting, extrusion processes converted continuous strands. Key parameters temperature, nozzle diameter, cooling rate, pulling speed carefully optimized to produce consistent diameter (typically 1.75 mm 0.05 mm), ensuring compatibility with standard FDM produced was subsequently tested in an printer evaluate printability, mechanical properties, surface finish, dimensional accuracy printed parts. results demonstrated recycled showed satisfactory prototyping applications, good adhesion, minimal warping, acceptable strength noncritical components... Read More

10. Polyester Recycling via Depolymerization Component Reuse with Regenerated Diacid and Catalyst

CIRC LLC, 2025

Efficiently recycling polyesters like PET by reusing components from depolymerization instead of purifying monomers. The method involves depolymerizing PET waste to extract a regenerated diacid and catalyst. This mixture is then reacted with a diol to form ester compounds. Additional catalyst can be added. The ester compounds are polymerized to regenerate the PET. By reusing the depolymerization components, it avoids the need to purify monomers and allows more efficient recycling of PET.

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11. Closed‐Loop Recyclable Vitrimer Plastics from PET Waste: A Design for Circularity

md anisur rahman, mary ann danielson, catalin gainaru - Wiley, 2025

Plastics are essential to modern society, but their low recycling rates and inefficient endoflife management pose a significant environmental challenge. Here, we present an efficient strategy for upcycling postconsumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste into robust, closedloop recyclable vitrimer plastics composites address this issue. Our catalystfree aminolysis utilizes readily available amines deconstruct diverse PET wastes macromonomers which upcycled plastics, exhibiting superior mechanical properties exceeding the ultimate tensile stress Youngs Modulus of virgin by 80% 150% respectively. These vitrimers exhibit excellent healability, shape memory, thermal reprocessability, chemical recyclability, enabling quantitative macromonomer recovery even from mixed plastic streams glass/carbon fiber reinforced composites. Furthermore, resin yields robust GFRV CFRV with strengths those traditional epoxy 100% 80%, respectively, while maintaining complete recyclability both constituent materials. A preliminary technoeconomic analysis confirms costeffectiveness ... Read More

12. Comparative Performance of Recycled PET and Commercial Fibres Under Thermal and Mechanical Stress

azmi ahmad, shahab bazri, n hisham - Research Review Publisher, 2025

This study investigates the mechanical strength and thermal resistance of fibre produced from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in comparison to commercial fibre. The objective is assess potential PET as a sustainable material under stress. Recycled fibres were fabricated using modified cotton candy machine. Beeswax treatment was applied at 60C, 40C, room temperature evaluate its influence on tensile strength. Observations stretchability, brittleness, wax adsorption recorded compare performance both types. Thermal testing involved immersing silicone oil subjecting them progressive heating 30C, 80C. Results showed that retained superior flexibility across all beeswax treatments, while became brittle limited stretchability. However, exhibited greater stability, withstanding higher temperatures before showing signs burning, whereas melted These findings suggest although has lower resilience, it performs better high temperatures. makes promising candidate for applications requiring heat resistance, such insulation or packaging. limitations remain may necessitate f... Read More

13. Process for Transforming Polyester into Terephthalate Esters Using Glycoxide and Alcohol Mixture

9449710 CANADA INC, 2025

Efficient, low energy, high yielding process for transforming polyester like PET into DMT or other terephthalate esters. The process involves reacting the polyester with a mixture of glycoxide and an alcohol like methanol. This converts the polyester into terephthalate esters like DMT without using strong acids or high temperatures. The glycoxide catalyst allows selective esterification of the polyester chain ends. The alcohol swells the polyester and facilitates the reaction. The glycoxide can be prepared by suspending monosodium glycoxide in methanol. The process enables sustainable, cost-effective production of terephthalate esters from PET recycling.

14. Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Composition with Homogenized Deposit PET Blending Prior to Virgin PET Mixing

COLUMBIA INSURANCE CO, 2025

Preparing recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) compositions with improved properties compared to traditional recycled PET. The compositions contain a specific range of deposit post-consumer PET, from 25% to 100% by weight, blended to homogeneity before mixing with virgin PET. This process step of homogenizing the deposit PET prevents issues like color streaking and fiber breakage in final products. The blended deposit PET and virgin PET are then extruded together to create recycled PET compositions.

15. From Waste to Function: Compatibilized r-PET/r-HDPE Blends for Pellet Extrusion 3D Printing

seyed amir ali bozorgnia tabary, jeanpierre bresse, haniyeh fayazfar - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste-especially from packaging and post-consumer sources-calls for the development sustainable recycling strategies. Due to challenges associated with sorting mixed waste, directly processing waste streams offers a practical approach. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) high-density polyethylene (HDPE) are common consumer plastics, but they difficult recycle together due immiscibility degradation. In recycled HDPE (r-HDPE) often contaminates PET (r-PET) stream. Additive manufacturing (AM) promising solution upcycle these polymers into functional products minimal waste. This study investigates characterization r-PET/r-HDPE blends AM, focusing on role compatibilizers in enhancing their properties. Blends were melt-compounded using twin-screw extruder improve dispersion, followed by direct pellet-based 3D printing. A compatibilizer (0-7 php) was incorporated miscibility. Rheological testing showed that 5 php optimized viscosity elasticity, ensuring smoother extrusion. Thermal analysis revealed 30 C increase crystallization temperature shift decompo... Read More

16. Circular Quality of Polymers: Test-Based Evidence for Comparison of Bio-Based and Fossil-Based Polymers

ilija sazdovski, ferran serraparareda, marc delgadoaguilar - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

The factual circularity of materials needs utilization that keep their quality properties after going through recycling to minimize the inflow virgin in technosphere. Within PEF methodology, and based on economic model approach, European Commission provides default parameters for changes polymers recycling, but solely some fossil-based polymers. This study a test-based example calculation technical substitutability 2 (HDPE PET) bio-based (PLA PHB) mechanical, processing, optical properties. results show method gives very different compared those obtained by considering real multiple-cycle recycling. HDPE proved have superior circular any other polymer under research. In addition, recent practice substituting with will need be re-evaluated additional research related change showed important limitations strong harmonized testing degradation all types

17. Adjustable Upcycling of Polyethylene Terephthalate to Biodegradable Polymer Monomers by Mn‐Catalyzed Solvent Switching Strategy

shun zhang, wenhao xu, xuan zhao - Wiley, 2025

Waste plastics represent a new resource for the chemical industry. In this study, we demonstrate solventswitching strategy to upcycle waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into monomer terephthalic acid (TPA) and key bulk feedstocks biodegradable polymers, such as lactic (LA), or glycolic (GA). PET undergoes rapid mild depolymerization its monomers TPA ethylene glycol (EG) under catalysis of manganese complex. When methanol (MeOH) is used solvent, it selective dehydrogenative coupling with insitu generated EG, efficiently yielding LA yields exceeding 98%. By replacing MeOH tertamyl alcohol (tAmOH), quantitatively converted GA. The conversion mechanism was elucidated through deuteriumlabeling experiments molecular model studies. This work presents sustainable innovative approach upcycling highvalue products, while open route synthesize biopolymer monomers, which are essential developing chemically recyclable thereby advancing production singleuse polymer products.

18. γ-Valerolactone-Enabled Mild Methanolysis of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate for Efficient Chemical Recycling

ding zhao, xing cao, xinyu hao - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

To tackle growing resource and environmental challenges, closed-loop chemical recycling of waste PET is gaining significant attention. Methanolysis demonstrates industrial potential due to the ease separation purification its depolymerization product, dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). However, conventional methanolysis processes for typically require harsh conditions (>200 C 24 MPa), highlighting need more efficient milder methods. In this work, leveraging Hansens solubility parameter theory, a bio-based solvent gamma-valerolactone (GVL) was introduced construct binary mixed system, enabling highly PET. Through systematic optimization reaction conditions, an in-depth analysis effects various factors on efficiency kinetics conducted. The incorporation GVL markedly enhanced compatibility between PET, thereby significantly improving while effectively lowering temperature pressure. Complete can be achieved within 2 h at 150 under pressure 0.9 MPa, with DMT yield up 97.8%. This GVL/methanol system exhibits higher efficiency, substantial advantages in terms impact energy consumption... Read More

19. Synergistic effect of chain extender and glass fiber in recycling of post‐consumer poly(ethylene terephthalate) through promotion of long‐chain branching

sepehr yari, niloofar afshari, rohollah shamizadeh - Wiley, 2025

Abstract Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) products are major contributors to plastic waste, and recycling helps mitigate the problem. This study explored how onestep melt compounding of flakes postconsumer PET bottles with an epoxytype chain extender (CE) glass fiber (GF) would impact properties resulting composite (rPET/GF/CE). Remarkably, elongation at break strength rPET/GF/CE nearly matched those PET/GF, its yield stress exceeded that PET/GF by approximately 15%. GF CE synergically improved complex viscosity rPET (400fold increase for vs. 2 3fold increases PET/CE rPET/GF, respectively.) The highly pronounced shear thinning was primary marker extensive longchain branching (LCB). LCB also altered thermal main factor responsible enhancements in mechanical rheological properties. promotion is likely due diffusion amine groups from surface sized fibers into matrix, where they act as catalysts extension reaction, giving rise LCB. demonstrates waste can be recycled used highperformance applications, example, automotive industry. Highlights Mechanical performanc... Read More

20. Recycling System with Ozone-Enhanced Odor Removal for Post-Consumer Plastic Waste

STARLINGER & CO GESELLSCHAFT M.B.H, 2025

Device and method for recycling post-consumer plastic waste to produce odorless and contaminant-free pellets for reuse in packaging applications. The process involves shredding, washing, melting, degassing, and granulating the plastic waste. Ozone is added to the melt to oxidize and remove odorants. The ozone concentration is monitored and adjusted to prevent excess ozone emissions. This targeted ozone treatment removes odor-causing compounds from the recycled plastic.

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21. Three-Layer Polyester Film with Core Layer Containing Nucleating Agent, Chain Extender, and Foaming Agent

HENAN YINJINDA NEW MATERIALS CO LTD, 2025

Crystalline and easily recyclable heat shrinkable polyester film that can be recycled with PET bottles without needing separate sorting. The film has a three-layer structure with a core layer containing a nucleating agent, chain extender, and foaming agent. The nucleating agent accelerates crystallization, the chain extender crosslinks PETG, and the foaming agent expands pores that shrink after heating. This improves film melting point and crystallinity to match PET, prevents sticking and bridging during recycling, and reduces density for higher yield. The film has a surface layer with functional masterbatch to improve printability.

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22. Depolymerization Process for Polyester Plastics Using Aqueous Metal Salt Catalysis

RIKARBON INC, 2025

A process to depolymerize waste polyester plastics like PET into their building blocks using aqueous metal salts at moderate temperatures. The depolymerized monomers and oligomers can then be polymerized again to produce new, high quality, renewable polyesters. The process uses metal salts like zinc bromide or iodide at 100-250°C to depolymerize the waste plastic. The metal salts catalyze the breakage of ester bonds in the polymer chain. The depolymerized monomers and oligomers are then polymerized using conventional techniques to make new polyesters. This allows recycling of waste plastics into like-quality new plastics without losing properties or requiring high temperatures.

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23. Modified PET Hydrolyzing Enzyme with Amino Acid Sequence Alterations for Enhanced Thermal Stability

BEIJING MEIHAO BIOTECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2025

Enhanced PET hydrolyzing enzyme for recycling plastic waste. The enzyme, called IsPETase-8×Chimera, is a modified version of the naturally occurring PET hydrolyzing enzyme IsPETase. The modifications involve replacing specific amino acid sequences in IsPETase to create a variant with improved activity and thermal stability. The IsPETase-8×Chimera enzyme can hydrolyze PET at higher temperatures than native IsPETase, making it more practical for recycling applications where high temperatures are used to process the plastics.

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24. Extruder with Satellite Screws and Variable Core Screw for Viscosity Modification of Meltable Polymers

GNEUSS GMBH, 2025

Extruder for viscosity-increasing processing of meltable polymers, such as recycled PET, that enables efficient degassing and molecular chain extension under high vacuum conditions. The extruder has multiple satellite screws rotating around the main screw at a higher speed to create turbulent flow and loosen the melt. The main screw has varying diameter core in the degassing zones, with a shallower flight upstream and a deeper flight downstream. This abrupt expansion at the core step ruptures the melt stream and increases surface area for volatile extraction. The larger free volume upstream allows sudden melt expansion. The geometry facilitates degassing and chain extension without requiring extreme vacuum levels.

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25. Mori-Tanaka homogenization for biocomposites: recycled PET and agroindustrial biomass integration

fernando diazgomez, juan leonbecerra, claudia taveraruiz - Brill, 2025

Purpose This research proposes the application of computational techniques to design a novel biocomposite from material two wastes: recycled PET and Colombian biomass. Design/methodology/approach To select biomass, review crops with higher production environmental impact was done. Subsequently, carried out by homogenization software using first-order Mori-Tanaka method. During design, matrix , different morphologies were proposed for natural fiber reinforcements, taking into account nature biomass: fibers, particles granules. The reinforced continuous pineapple peel fibers presented best characteristics due morphology reinforcement mainly. Findings results designing biomass/PET biomaterials, variations based on biomass types methods. Longitudinal stiffness (E1) significantly increases in PET/pineapple composites compared other attributed tensile strength stress distribution leaf fibers. After enzymatic degumming, show cellulose content crystallinity, enhancing stiffness. In contrast, PET/cocoa PET/avocado exhibit lower stiffness, suitable flexible applications. method shows improves ... Read More

26. Preparation of Temperature‐Sensitive Heteropolyacid Catalysts for Efficient Hydrolysis of Polyethylene Terephthalate: Reaction Kinetics Analysis

shiqi meng, chao ge, sheng shi - Wiley, 2025

Abstract This paper focuses on the green recycling technology of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), which, as most widely consumed textile fiber globally, has become a key area in waste research. While traditional acidcatalyzed methods have demonstrated value PET depolymerization, harsh acidic reaction conditions pose significant technical challenges, including catalyst deactivation and severe equipment corrosion. Based principles chemistry engineering, this study innovatively develops temperaturesensitive heteropolyacid catalyst, (HOCH 2 CH N(CH 3 ) x H 3 PW 12 O 40 (Ch , = 1, 2, 3), synthesized by ion exchange between choline chloride phosphotungstic acid. Under optimized (200 C, 7 h, solidliquid ratio 1:10, 0.2 g catalyst), achieves 99% conversion rate 96% recovery terephthalic acid (rTPA), with product purity reaching 99.7%. Kinetic studies based firstorder mechanisms reveal an apparent activation energy E 86.72 kJ/mol for hydrolysis reaction. Notably, through temperature regulation crystallization techniques, used Ch 3x can be easily recovered from product, ma... Read More

27. Cost‐Effective and Low‐Carbon Scalable Recycling of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Through Bio‐Based Guaiacol‐Enhanced Methanolysis

yunkai yu, yufei zhang, siming zhu - Wiley, 2025

The global plastic waste crisis, particularly from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), demands sustainable recycling solutions. PET methanolysis offers a promising route to recover highpurity dimethyl (DMT), but achieving scalable, costeffective, and environmentally friendly processes under mild conditions remains challenging. This study introduces biobased catalytic system using guaiacol potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) (120C, 0.6 MPa), 94% DMT 98% ethylene glycol (EG) yields within 2 hours. Unlike conventional acidcatalyzed or cosolventassisted methods, the phenolic hydroxyl group of critically stabilizes tetrahedral intermediate, significantly enhancing efficiency. demonstrates broad versatility across various polyesters realworld streams, including mixed textiles colored plastics, while enabling selective depolymerization. Life cycle assessment (LCA) technoeconomic analysis (TEA) confirm its low carbon footprint, energy efficiency, industrial viability. costeffective scalable strategy solution for recycling, addressing both environmental economic challenge... Read More

28. Cost‐Effective and Low‐Carbon Scalable Recycling of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate Through Bio‐Based Guaiacol‐Enhanced Methanolysis

yunkai yu, yufei zhang, siming zhu - Wiley, 2025

The global plastic waste crisis, particularly from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), demands sustainable recycling solutions. PET methanolysis offers a promising route to recover highpurity dimethyl (DMT), but achieving scalable, costeffective, and environmentally friendly processes under mild conditions remains challenging. This study introduces biobased catalytic system using guaiacol potassium bicarbonate (KHCO3) (120C, 0.6 MPa), 94% DMT 98% ethylene glycol (EG) yields within 2 hours. Unlike conventional acidcatalyzed or cosolventassisted methods, the phenolic hydroxyl group of critically stabilizes tetrahedral intermediate, significantly enhancing efficiency. demonstrates broad versatility across various polyesters realworld streams, including mixed textiles colored plastics, while enabling selective depolymerization. Life cycle assessment (LCA) technoeconomic analysis (TEA) confirm its low carbon footprint, energy efficiency, industrial viability. costeffective scalable strategy solution for recycling, addressing both environmental economic challenge... Read More

29. Packaging Related Criteria in Eco-Labels - A Comprehensive Analysis of the Blue Angel and Recommendations for the Future

till zimmermann, 2025

Eco-labels play a crucial role in environmental policy and transformation by promoting sustainable production consumption practices. By integrating packaging-related criteria award for eco-labels the use of more packaging materials designs can be promoted, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions waste. A horizontal integration as minimum standard enhance consistency between different product groups. The feasibility horizontally eco-label has been assessed focusing on German Type I Blue Angel requirement areas recyclability recycled content. For these areas, study indicated that it is possible establish requirements appear largely feasible integrated. In this regard, current upcoming legislation well respective market situation have considered.

30. Ecofriendly Degradation of PET via Neutral Hydrolysis: Degradation Mechanism and Green Chemistry Metrics

adhithiya venkatachalapati thulasiraman, arun k vuppaladadiyam, ibrahim gbolahan hakeem - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 2025

Waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles represent 12% of global plastic waste; however, only 9% are recycled. Hydrothermal processing presents the opportunity to upcycle waste PET into its monomers, particularly, terephthalic acid (TPA). In this study, post-consumer sparkling water were neutrally hydrolysed via a hydrothermal process operating within temperature range 220270 C, residence time 3090 min, and autogenous pressure 2590 bar. Under these conditions, TPA yield varied between 7.34 81.05%, maximum was obtained at 250 90 40 The had more profound impact on conversion than time. values environmental factor (EF) found be 0.0170.106, which comparable those bulk chemicals (EF < 1). With chosen energy (EEI) production estimated 5.29 104 C min. findings demonstrate that neutral hydrolysis is feasible approach for converting polymers monomers under mild conditions. addition, GCMS analysis aqueous-phase product revealed notable increase in secondary degradation products TPA, such as benzoic acid, rising from 66.4% 75.7% increased 220 270 C. mechanisms deca... Read More

31. Process for Methanolysis-Based Depolymerization and Repolymerization of Waste PET to Form Recycled PET Resin

EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO, 2025

A process for recycling waste plastic into high quality PET resin with recycled content. The process involves depolymerizing waste PET in a methanolysis reaction to form recycled ethylene glycol (r-EG) and recycled dimethyl terephthalate (r-DMT). These recycled monomers are then reacted to form recycled PET polymer. The recycled PET is pelletized and crystallized to produce high quality recycled PET particles. This allows efficiently recycling mixed plastic waste into PET with recycled content and reduces the need for virgin PET.

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32. Dual-Tank Chemical Recycling Apparatus for PET Depolymerization and Polymerization

SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES LTD, 2025

Chemical recycling device for converting used PET bottles into new PET bottles with less energy compared to traditional recycling methods. The device has two tanks - a depolymerization tank to break down the PET into a depolymerized product, and a polymerization tank to synthesize the depolymerized product into new PET. This allows recycling the PET without melting and cooling steps, reducing energy waste. The new PET is then supplied to a molding machine to make new bottles.

33. Recycled Polyester Resin Production Using High-Purity Bis(2-Hydroxyethyl) Terephthalate with Controlled Impurity Levels

SK CHEMICALS CO LTD, 2025

Recycling waste polyester back into a polyester resin with equivalent quality to virgin resin. The key is using recycled bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) with specific impurity levels. The BHET should have a peak area fraction of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate of 96% or more and a peak area fraction of 2-hydroxyethyl[2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethyl] terephthalate of 2.5% or less. This adjustment reduces impurities like diethylene glycol esters. The BHET is then used in polyester resin preparation along with adjusted glycol/acid ratios to maintain quality.

34. Polyester Depolymerization via Hot-Melt Extrusion with Inorganic Salt Plasticization

TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY OF THE SHANNON: MIDLANDS MIDWEST, 2025

A low-carbon, high-yield, economically viable, environmentally friendly, and high-throughput method for depolymerizing post-consumer polyester waste like PET into usable monomers. The method involves hot-melt extrusion of the waste with a depolymerization agent and inorganic salts. The salts plasticize the waste during extrusion, allowing better access of the depolymerization agent to the polyester chains. This enhances depolymerization efficiency compared to solvent-based methods. The salts also act as porogens, forming pores in the waste. After extrusion, the waste is separated and the monomers are further purified. The waste residue can be further depolymerized enzymatically.

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35. Polyethylene Terephthalate‐Based Heat Sealable Packaging Film Without Heat Sealing Layer

yukihiro kusano, alexander leo bardenstein, claus bischoff - Wiley, 2025

ABSTRACT The food packaging industry is evolving to meet demands for circularity, costeffectiveness, lower carbon footprint and higher production efficiency with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) emerging as a preferred material packaging. Despite its advantages, PET faces two main challenges in flexible barrier applications, such flow packs or formfillseal pouches. First, films often lack adequate moisture oxygen barriers, limiting their range of applications. Second, the high melting temperature around 250C complicates sealing process, causing deformation poorquality seals. Traditional solutions involve multilayer films, which laminated superior permeationbarrier layer meltingtemperature heatsealing layer. This results nonrecyclable packaging, posing sustainability issues. In present work, PETbased heat sealable were developed address these Specifically, waterbased organicinorganic hybrid nanocomposite solgel coating was applied one side 23m thick film, followed by drying curing. thickness subsequent coatings approximately 2.3 m. solgel's... Read More

36. Method for Producing Thin-Walled Containers from Recycled PET with Controlled Intrinsic Viscosity and Wall-Thickness-to-Flow-Path Ratios

ALPLA WERKE ALWIN LEHNER GMBH & CO KG, 2025

A method for producing thin-walled containers made of recycled PET (rPET) that can be injection molded at high pressures and has low wall thicknesses, without crystallization or sticking together. The method involves combining virgin PET (vPET) with recycled PET (rPET) in specific ratios to achieve a final intrinsic viscosity of 0.5-0.7 dL/g. This allows producing thin-walled containers with wall-thickness-to-flow-path ratios of 1:50-1:500. The rPET is decontaminated and dehydrated during extrusion. This enables processing recycled PET from bottles into thin-walled injection molded containers without issues like crystallization, brittleness, or sticking.

37. Polyester Recycling Process with Pre-Reaction Distillation for Volatile Impurity Removal

TACLOV LLC, 2025

Recycling polyester-based materials like PET using a modified chemical recycling process that involves a pre-reaction distillation step to remove volatile impurities before depolymerization. The process improves product purity, consistency, and efficiency by eliminating the need for prior drying of the polyester feedstock. It involves treating the polyester with distillation to remove impurities like water, then depolymerizing it with an organocatalyst and alcohol solvent. The distillation step before depolymerization removes volatiles like water that could haze or degrade the product or affect reaction efficiency. The distilled polyester is then depolymerized to recover the monomeric diester and catalyst for reuse.

38. Integrated System for Recycling Waste Plastic into Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin via Methanolysis and Component Reformation

Eastman Chemical Company, 2025

Efficiently recycling waste plastic into new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin with reduced energy consumption by integrating plastics processing, solvolysis, and PET production. The process involves depolymerizing waste PET in methanolysis to form recycled ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate. These recycled components are reacted in PET production to make recycled content PET resin. The integrated facility allows efficient separation, reuse, and formation of the recycled components.

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39. Chemical Recycling Process of PET Involving Depolymerization to TPA, DMT, and BHET for Recycled Fiber Production

BRIDGESTONE CORPORATION, 2025

Chemical recycling of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) to produce a recycled PET fiber with improved properties like strength and durability compared to traditional recycling methods. The recycling process involves depolymerizing PET waste into terephthalic acid (TPA), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT), and bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). These depolymerized components are then used as raw materials to make the recycled PET fiber. This allows removing impurities like isophthalic acid (IPA) that inhibit crystallization and degradation of the recycled fiber.

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40. Integrated Solvolysis and Polymerization System for Producing Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate from Mixed Plastic Waste

Eastman Chemical Company, 2025

Efficiently recycling waste plastic into new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using integrated solvolysis and PET production. The process involves depolymerizing mixed plastic waste in methanol to form recycled content ethylene glycol (r-EG) and recycled content dimethyl terephthalate (r-DMT). These are then reacted in PET production to form recycled content PET (r-PET) with inherent viscosity of at least 0.50 dL/g. The r-PET has up to 100% recycled content and properties similar to virgin PET. The integration allows efficient conversion and reduces energy consumption compared to separate solvolysis and PET plants.

41. Process for Chemical Recycling of Waste Plastic via Integrated Solvolysis and PET Synthesis

Eastman Chemical Company, 2025

Efficient and cost-effective process for chemically recycling waste plastic into new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using integrated solvolysis and PET production facilities. The process involves depolymerizing waste PET in methanol to form recycled ethylene glycol (r-EG) and dimethyl terephthalate (r-DMT). These are then reacted in a PET production facility to form recycled PET (r-PET). This integrates the solvolysis and PET production steps to reduce energy consumption and enable closed-loop recycling of PET waste.

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42. PET Bottle Separation and Recovery Device with Measurement-Based Sorting and Processing Units

ERT CO LTD, 2024

A PET bottle separation and recovery device that sorts and processes used PET bottles to increase recycling efficiency. The device has a holder, transfer unit, crusher, ring separator, and measuring unit. It measures transparency, contamination, and lid presence of bottles. Bottles are crushed and separated based on measurements to optimize recycling. Transparent bottles are shredded in one area, opaque ones in another, and contaminated ones crushed. This allows recycling of transparent shards, shredded opaque sections, and crushed contaminated parts separately.

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43. Stretch Blow-Molded Articles Comprising Recycled PET, Polyester, Wax, and Inorganic Layered Double Hydroxide or Zeolite

CANON KK, 2024

Stretch blow-molded articles like toner bottles that prevent degradation of the contained toner powder and prevent wax transfer to the bottle surface when made from recycled PET. The molded articles contain a polyester, wax, and an inorganic layered double hydroxide or zeolite. The wax is adsorbed by the inorganic compound instead of transferring to the bottle surface, preventing chemical attack on the toner particles inside. This prevents deformation of toner particle surfaces when stored in the bottle. By using recycled PET, it reduces environmental impact compared to virgin PET.

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44. Multilayer Dairy Bottle with Opaque Recycled Plastic Core

RESILUX NV, 2024

Processing dairy bottle recycling into new dairy bottles to enable closed-loop recycling of dairy packaging. The method involves creating new dairy bottles using recycled dairy bottles in the middle layer. The middle layer is made of opaque recycled plastic, like PET, to block light and preserve vitamins. The inner and outer layers are white for contact with the product. This allows using recycled opaque bottles instead of virgin plastic. The opaque recycled material provides sufficient light blocking.

45. Cosmetic Applicator with Snap-Fit Recyclable Copolyester Rod and Injection Molded Cooling Spindle System

L'OREAL, 2024

Cosmetic product applicator with easy recycling and simplified manufacturing. The applicator has a reusable rod and rod carrier made of a recyclable copolyester like recycled PET. The rod snaps into the carrier. This allows recycling of the entire applicator instead of just the rod. The copolyester is injection molded with a cooling spindle to speed cooling. The spindle channels are cooled to solidify the copolyester faster without deforming. This avoids prolonged cooling times for copolyesters. The snap-fit rod assembly prevents rotation during use.

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46. Composite Masterbatch of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer with Compatibilizer

Gallop, 2024

Recycling PET bottles to remanufacture a composite masterbatch of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) for use in foam shoe materials. The composite masterbatch is made by blending recycled PET, EVA, and a compatibilizer in specific ratios, then extruding and cutting the alloy into granules. The composite masterbatch is used to replace virgin PET in shoe foam production, reducing demand for new PET and enabling recycling of post-consumer PET bottles. The composite masterbatch can be adjusted for foam appearance by optimizing mold size.

47. Machine for Separating and Crushing PET Bottles with Integrated Neck Cutting and Body Compression Sections

POLYGREEN CO LTD, 2024

A machine to efficiently separate and crush PET bottles made of different materials like cap and body. The machine has an open-top frame with a cutting section at the front to separate the necks. The main body pressing section compresses the bottles after neck separation. A lower frame collects the compressed bodies which are crushed inside. The machine is driven by a unit that synchronizes all parts. This enables separating and crushing PET bottles with caps and bodies made of different materials, generating pure PET flakes with minimized impurities for circular recycling.

48. Gas Barrier Film with Chemically Recycled Polyester and Inorganic Coating

TOYOBO CO LTD, 2024

Gas barrier film for packaging that reduces environmental impact and improves barrier properties compared to traditional films. The film contains chemically recycled polyester with specific intrinsic viscosity and melting point ranges. It also has a thin inorganic coating. The chemically recycled polyester allows using recycled material with lower environmental impact. The viscosity range prevents excessive stretching forces during film production that can cause breaks. The higher melting point improves heat resistance. The thin inorganic coating further improves barrier properties.

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49. Biaxially Oriented Polyester Film with Chemically Recycled Polyester and Controlled Alkaline Earth Metal-Phosphorus Ratio

TOYOBO CO LTD, 2024

Biaxially oriented polyester film containing chemically recycled polyester with low melt resistivity to prevent pinner bubbles during production. The film has 20-95% chemically recycled polyester and an alkaline earth metal-phosphorus ratio of 1.0-5.0. It reduces environmental impact by using recycled polyester and allows high film production speed without bubbles. The film can be used in laminates for packaging containers.

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50. Biaxially Oriented Polyester Film with Chemically Recycled Polyester and Specific Intrinsic Viscosity and Melting Point

TOYOBO CO LTD, 2024

Biaxially oriented polyester film with improved strength and reduced breakage during production, containing chemically recycled polyester with specific properties. The film has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.50-0.70 dl/g and melting point of 251°C or higher. This reduces stress during stretching and prevents film breakage. The chemically recycled polyester content is 20% by mass or more. The film can be used in laminates and packaging containers. The recycled content reduces environmental impact.

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51. Recycling System for Extracting Pure PET Resin Particles from Transparent Bottles

52. Polyester Blend for Clear PET Bottle Recycling with Separate Glass Transition Polymer

53. Microwavable Food Package with Recycled PET Base, Steam Vent, and Controlled Tear Opening Guide

54. Biaxially Oriented Polyester Film with Chemically Recycled Polyester and Controlled Low Molecular Weight Component Content

55. Biaxially Oriented Polyester Film Comprising Chemically Recycled Polyester with Defined Molecular Weight Characteristics

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