CARBIOS and De Smet Engineers & Contractors Join Forces to Build World's First PET Biorecycling Plant

A new beacon of hope in the battle against plastic pollution emerges as CARBIOS and De Smet Engineers & Contractors join forces to construct the world's first PET biorecycling plant in Longlaville, France. This groundbreaking partnership, announced on February 15, 2024, aims to revolutionize the way we manage plastic waste by harnessing the power of enzymatic depolymerization.

Pioneering Partnership: CARBIOS and De Smet

French biotech company CARBIOS, renowned for its innovative solutions to plastic pollution, has teamed up with De Smet Engineers & Contractors, a global leader in the engineering and construction of processing plants. Their shared vision: to create a sustainable future for plastics and textiles by accelerating the transition to a circular economy.

The collaboration comes at a crucial time, as the world grapples with the devastating environmental impact of plastic waste. By combining CARBIOS' expertise in biological processes with De Smet's engineering prowess, the partners aim to develop an industrial-scale solution for enzymatically breaking down PET waste.

The World's First PET Biorecycling Plant

Set to be commissioned in 2025, the state-of-the-art facility will be located in Longlaville, France. With a processing capacity of 50,000 tons of post-consumer PET waste per year, the plant will produce an alternative raw material for PET producers, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil-based monomers.

Upon completion, the PET biorecycling plant is expected to create 150 direct and indirect jobs in the region, contributing not only to environmental conservation but also to local economic growth.

Transforming Plastic Waste into a Resource

CARBIOS' patented technology enables the enzymatic depolymerization of PET waste, breaking it down into its constituent monomers. These monomers can then be repolymerized to yield new PET materials, effectively closing the loop in the plastic lifecycle.

By creating a truly circular solution for PET, CARBIOS and De Smet aim to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. The partnership represents a significant step forward in the global fight against plastic pollution and showcases the potential of biotechnology to reshape the future of plastic production.

As construction on the Longlaville plant continues, the world watches with anticipation, hoping that this pioneering project will set a new standard for sustainable plastic management and inspire further innovation in the field.

With the combined expertise of CARBIOS and De Smet Engineers & Contractors, the world's first PET biorecycling plant promises to be a game-changer in the battle against plastic pollution. By transforming waste into a valuable resource, this groundbreaking initiative paves the way for a more sustainable and circular future for plastics and textiles.

In the words of CARBIOS CEO, Emmanuel Ladent, "Our partnership with De Smet is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving innovation and addressing global challenges. Together, we are committed to making a lasting impact on the environment and the lives of people around the world."

Dimitri de Suraÿ, CEO of De Smet Engineers & Contractors, echoes this sentiment, stating, "We are proud to partner with CARBIOS on this groundbreaking project, which aligns perfectly with our ambition to contribute to the environmental transition and boost the bio-economy."

As the Longlaville plant takes shape, it serves as a reminder that through collaboration, innovation, and determination, we can rise to the challenge of plastic pollution and create a more sustainable future for all.