What is enzymatic depolymerization, and how does it fit into your operations?
Enzymatic depolymerization is a process that breaks down plastic waste into its fundamental components using enzymes. To explain it in simple terms, we start with PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or polyester waste, , which is common in bottles, food trays, cosmetic packaging, and textiles. Polyester, for instance, makes up about 50% of fibers used in textiles. Our specially engineered enzymes cut these waste materials into their basic components, known as monomers, which can then be reassembled by plastic producers into new, virgin plastics. This process, termed depolymerization, transforms polymers (plastics) back into their monomers. Enzymes, natural proteins found in our bodies and other organisms, facilitate this reaction. Today, no natural enzyme can act on plastics, so we have bioengineered a plant-based enzyme to make it efficient for this purpose.
How do you scale up enzymatic biorecycling, and what are the challenges?
Scaling up enzymatic biorecycling involves several steps. First, we developed the enzyme, which is now patented globally. In all, CARBIOS has 59 patent families and just under 500 individual patents which cover the enzymes and the processes for our solutions. We then moved to industrial processes, starting with a pilot plant in 2018, followed by a demonstration plant in 2021. This demonstration plant, though small, operates on an industrial scale, producing smaller quantities weekly. Our first large-scale plant is under construction in Longlaville, France, with a capacity of 50,000 tons per year, equivalent to about 2 billion bottles or 300 million t-shirts. This plant marks a significant step, but we aim to go beyond, targeting 8 to 12% of the r-PET market by 2035. To achieve this, we plan to license our technology to industrial partners worldwide, in a model similar to franchising. This involves selling licensing rights and our enzyme to licensees, enabling broader adoption of our technology.
What is the broader impact of your technology on the plastic recycling industry?
Our technology addresses a crucial gap in the plastic recycling industry. According to an OECD report, in 2019, 460 million tons of plastic were produced globally, with 99% being fossil fuel-based. Currently, only about 9% of this plastic is recycled due to the limitations of existing mechanical recycling technologies, which mainly handle PET bottles.
Our enzymatic process can recycle various plastic waste types that are currently non-recyclable, such as food trays and cosmetic packaging, thus reducing reliance on incineration and landfill. By making these materials economically viable for recycling, we contribute significantly to the circular economy and help reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste.
How do you manage intellectual property and collaboration to advance your technology?
We have robust intellectual property protections, with around 500 active patents and ongoing improvements leading to new patents. Our partnership with Novonesis (previously known as Novozymes), the world's largest enzyme producer, ensures we can produce our patented engineered enzymes at scale. This exclusive partnership allows us to focus on developing and improving the enzyme while Novonesis handles large-scale production. Additionally, we collaborate with major brands like L'Oréal, Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo, and textile companies such as Patagonia, Puma, and PVH Group. These partnerships are vital for integrating our technology into their supply chains and achieving their sustainability goals. For example, L'Oréal aims for 100% recycled PET in their packaging by 2026, relying on our technology to bridge the gap from their current 85%.
What are the regulatory and market challenges in expanding your technology?
A significant challenge is ensuring a consistent supply of feedstock for recycling. Current collection systems are inadequate, with only approximately 30% of textile waste being collected in Europe, and much of it being exported to developing countries, creating other environmental issues. Effective regulations are needed to improve collection and ban the export of waste, as has been done with plastic waste exports. Moreover, regulations mandating recycled content in packaging, such as the EU's requirement for 25% recycled content by 2025, are crucial. These policies help drive the adoption of recycling technologies. However, the main challenge remains scaling up the collection and processing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for recycled materials.
What is the current state of the plastic recycling industry, and how do you see its future?
The plastic recycling industry is at a critical juncture. While traditional mechanical recycling is limited and only handles about 9% of plastics, new technologies like ours are essential for increasing recycling rates. In the PET sector, our goal is to achieve 100% recycling, and we are expanding to other plastics such as polyamides and nylon. The global push for a circular economy, supported by international treaties and national regulations, is creating opportunities for innovative recycling solutions. As these technologies become more widely adopted, we can expect a significant increase in recycling rates, helping to reduce the environmental impact of plastic waste and supporting global sustainability goals.
What role does innovation play in the green transition, particularly in the plastics industry?
Innovation is crucial for the green transition, particularly in addressing the limitations of current recycling technologies. Investments in new technologies, like our enzymatic recycling, are necessary to handle the diverse types of plastic waste that mechanical recycling cannot process. While existing technologies are adequate for specific applications, such as PET bottles, a broader range of solutions is needed to achieve higher recycling rates and reduce reliance on single-use plastics. By continuously improving our enzymes and expanding our technology to other plastics, we aim to drive significant advancements in the recycling industry. This approach ensures that we contribute to a sustainable future while addressing the immediate challenges of plastic waste.
What are the key factors for the successful implementation of your technology on a global scale?
The successful implementation of our technology on a global scale depends on several factors. Firstly, we need strong collaboration with brands committed to sustainability, such as L'Oréal, Patagonia, and PepsiCo. These partnerships are essential for integrating our technology into their supply chains and aiding them to achieve their circular economy goals. Secondly, robust regulatory frameworks are necessary to support the adoption of new recycling technologies. Regulations mandating recycled content in packaging and improving waste collection systems are critical. Finally, continuous innovation and improvement of our enzyme technology will ensure its effectiveness and scalability. By addressing these factors, we can significantly impact the global recycling industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.
What are the main challenges and opportunities for the future of plastic recycling?
The main challenge for the future of plastic recycling is ensuring a consistent and sufficient supply of feedstock. Improved collection systems and regulations are needed to divert waste from incineration and landfill to recycling. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for innovation and collaboration. By developing advanced recycling technologies and partnering with major brands and governments, we can create a more efficient and effective recycling infrastructure. Additionally, the growing awareness of plastic pollution and the push for a circular economy provide a favorable environment for adopting new recycling solutions. As we continue to innovate and scale our technology, we are optimistic about the future of plastic recycling and its potential to address global sustainability challenges.
