Carbios will receive grants totalling €54 million from the French State via France 2030 and Grand-Est Region, to finance construction of the world’s first PET biorecycling plant and accelerate R&D activities.

Carbios develops enzyme-based processes to break down plastic. Its two disruptive technologies for the biorecycling of PET and the biodegradation of PLA are now reaching industrial and commercial scale and its biorecycling demonstration plant has been operational since 2021. A first-of-a-kind reference unit, in partnership with Indorama Ventures, is due to be commissioned in 2025.

In addition to the support of food and beverage industry leaders like L’Oréal, Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo and Suntory, Carbios is supported by a textile consortium which includes Patagonia, Puma, PVH Corp and Salomon.

The reference plant in Longlaville in the Grand-Est region, due for commissioning in 2025 will see the production of the two basic components of PET – PTA and MEG3 – in France.

Operated by ADEME, the French Environment and Energy Management Agency, it will secure sales of the first volumes of recycled PET produced with Carbios technology and once ramped up, will have a nominal processing capacity of 50,000 tons of PET waste per year.

“Thanks to the French State’s previous support, we were able to demonstrate the economic and environmental competitiveness of our technology at the industrial demonstrator scale in Clermont-Ferrand,” said Carbios CEO Emmanuel Ladent. “The renewed support from ADEME and that of the Grand-Est Region are crucial for this new industrial step which marks the start of our international deployment. Our first plant will be the global showcase for our PET biorecycling technology, and we are very proud that it is located in France.”

France 2030 is an investment plan on an unprecedented scale. A total of €54 billion will be invested to ensure companies, universities and research organisations are in a position to respond competitively to the ecological challenges of the world ahead, and to foster the emergence of future leaders in the field of ecological transition.

www.carbios.com