Saipem and ChemPET, the solution for chemical recycling based on Garbo's glycolysis technology
Through depolymerisation processes, ChemPET converts polyethylene terephthalate plastic waste, commonly known as PET, into new, high-quality and high-value virgin-like PET. This process is safe, efficient and suitable for hard-to-recycle plastics, such as coloured opaque and multi-layered materials as well as polyester textiles, delivering a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a positive environmental impact.
A sustainable and real solution for PET recycling
PET is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in the production packaging to enhance food preservation and reduce food waste,as well as in other sectors such as textiles. However, only 21% of the PET placed on the global market is currently recycled, while the rest is dispersed in the environment or disposed of in landfills or through energy recovery.
ChemPET technology, represents a concrete response to the growing demand for sustainable plastic recycling solutions, especially in light of increasingly stringent regulations.
An innovative technology
Compared to its competitors, ChemPET offers simpler processing with a reduced carbon footprint, more efficient by-product management and the capability to handle a wide range of PET-based waste without using harmful substances.
Particularly suited for textile feedstock
ChemPET can also valorise PET-based textile waste, that cannot be mechanically recycled and is currently incinerated, landfilled, or dispersed in the environment. PET is converted back into its original building block, the monomer BHET, which is then purified and reprocessed into new high-quality virgin-like PET.
Since around 80% of PET produced worldwide is not recycled, ChemPET represents a crucial solution for reclaiming value from this largely untapped waste stream.
Together with its partner Garbo, Saipem creates a new synergy in the circular economy sector