Carbios Landdell Partnership to increase PET waste circularity at biorecycling plant

1 March 2024 – French biochemistry company Carbios, which has developed biological technologies to recycle plastic and textiles has partnered Landbell Group, a provider of closed-loop recycling solutions to increase the circularity of post-consumer PET waste at Carbios’ first biorecycling plant in Longlaville, France.

The companies have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the sourcing, preparation and recycling of post-consumer PET waste using CARBIOS’ biorecycling technology.

From 2026, Landbell Group will supply Carbios with 15 kilotonnes (kt) per year of PET flakes, ensuring a steady supply chain for sustainable PET production. These flakes will serve as essential feedstock to produce food-grade PTA [purified terepthlic acid] and MEG [monoethylene glycol], further re-polymerised into PET.

Through this partnership, the supply of multilayer trays through the CITEO tender in France and the MoU with Indorama Ventures, Carbios will have sourced 70% of its feedstock required for the 50kt per year capacity when its first commercial plant in Longlaville, France, will operate at full capability.

Close to the borders with Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg, the plant’s location is strategic for nearby waste supplies.

Landbell Group Chief Operating Officer Uwe Echteler said that “PET trays are extensively used in food packaging due to their excellent barrier properties, transparency and strength. However, PET trays, especially with a multi-layered structure, currently pose a challenge for mechanical recycling.”

Carbios CEO Emmanuel Ladent added: “By minimising bottle usage and diversifying raw material sources, we’re advancing sustainability while meeting market demands effectively. Together, we’re forging a future where waste becomes a valuable resource.”