PET manufacturer Equipolymers and technology Start-up Rittec Umwelttechnik announced their cooperation. By the development and implementation of Rittec’s revolPET process into Equipolymers’ PET manufacturing plant, the recycling content of food contact PET is targeted to be increased significantly.

Mechanical PET recycling has been established in the European market for many years. But possible input materials for mechanical recycling processes are limited. For example, multilayer materials, widely used in the packaging sector or heavily colored PET containers are very difficult to recycle.

Equipolymers und Rittec announce cooperation to increase recycling content in PET pellets for food contact.

In addition, while PET practically is unlimitedly and 100% recyclable, multiple mechanical recycling loops can reduce the optical properties of the recycled PET.

With revolPET, Rittec provides a technology solution to overcome the boundaries. The use of this new chemical recycling solution, commonly defined as back-to-monomer process, makes it possible to reprocess PET plastics into virgin grade quality. The continuous recycling process can be operated with high throughput rates.

Lab-scale polymerization tests have shown promising results. "Verified by the laboratory results the replacement of virgin monomers is within feasible reach for us," brought up Olaf Hempel, Development Manager of Equipolymers. That is why the partners are aiming for further cooperation to achieve their goals.

"Our revolPET technology can make an enormous contribution to the circular plastics economy", commented Carsten Eichert, Rittec founder and managing director. "We want to prove that our basic PET components produced from post-consumer waste meet food contact standards. We are excited about the partnership with Equipolymers."

PET manufacturer Equipolymers and technology Start-up Rittec Umwelttechnik announced their cooperation. By the development and implementation of Rittec’s revolPET process into Equipolymers’ PET manufacturing plant, the recycling content of food contact PET is targeted to be increased significantly.

Mechanical PET recycling has been established in the European market for many years. But possible input materials for mechanical recycling processes are limited. For example, multilayer materials, widely used in the packaging sector or heavily colored PET containers are very difficult to recycle.

Equipolymers und Rittec announce cooperation to increase recycling content in PET pellets for food contact.

In addition, while PET practically is unlimitedly and 100% recyclable, multiple mechanical recycling loops can reduce the optical properties of the recycled PET.

With revolPET, Rittec provides a technology solution to overcome the boundaries. The use of this new chemical recycling solution, commonly defined as back-to-monomer process, makes it possible to reprocess PET plastics into virgin grade quality. The continuous recycling process can be operated with high throughput rates.

Lab-scale polymerization tests have shown promising results. "Verified by the laboratory results the replacement of virgin monomers is within feasible reach for us," brought up Olaf Hempel, Development Manager of Equipolymers. That is why the partners are aiming for further cooperation to achieve their goals.

"Our revolPET technology can make an enormous contribution to the circular plastics economy", commented Carsten Eichert, Rittec founder and managing director. "We want to prove that our basic PET components produced from post-consumer waste meet food contact standards. We are excited about the partnership with Equipolymers."