PARIS: CARBIOS, a pioneer in biological technologies for plastic and textiles, and De Smet, a leading provider of engineering and construction services for biotech and agro-processing industries, have announced their collaboration to construct the world’s first PET biorecycling plant in Longlaville, France.

The plant, which is expected to be operational by 2025, will use CARBIOS’ technology to enzymatically depolymerize PET waste and produce recycled monomers that can be used to make new PET products. This will enable a circular economy for plastic and textiles, reducing environmental impact and meeting regulatory and sustainability goals.

De Smet will manage the project and ensure its quality, safety, health, and environmental standards. The plant will have a capacity of 50,000 tons of PET waste per year, equivalent to 2 billion bottles, 2.5 billion trays, or 300 million T-shirts. It will also create 150 jobs in the region.

The construction of the plant is on schedule, with the land acquired from Indorama Ventures and the permits obtained in October 2023. CARBIOS and De Smet hope to set a new benchmark for the biorecycling industry and contribute to the fight against plastic pollution.