In an article published on February 28, 2019, news portal Packaging Europe informed that French company CARBIOS “has announced its successful development of the first PET [polyethylene terephthalate] bottles made from 100% Purified Terephthalic Acid (rPTA), through the enzymatic biorecycling of plastic waste.” More specifically, CARBIOS’ chief scientific officer Alain Marty explained that the company has “successfully developed the first biological process with which all kinds of PET plastic waste [including ‘clear, colored, opaque, complex’] can be broken down into its original components and reused to produce virgin plastic products for applications such as PET bottles.”

The article went on to clarify, however, that “the technology is not market-ready yet – and the challenge of producing recycled PET with the same properties and efficiency of virgin PET still remains.” Nonetheless, CARBIOS “appears confident that it is on-track to achieve this.” Further, CARBIOS’ CEO Jean-Claude Lumaret announced plans to start construction of a pilot plant later this year.

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Packaging Europe (February 28, 2019). “CARBIOS produces PET bottles from 100% recycled plastic waste.

Packaging Europe (April 28, 2019). “CARBIOS launches consortium to support enzymatic technology for recycling of plastics with brand owners.”

Packaging Europe (April 29, 2019). “Nestlé Waters joins Consortium to boost recyclability of PET plastic.”

Plastics News Europe (April 30, 2019). “Drinks giants join bid for enzymatic plastics recycling.

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