Complete PET monomer recovery and chemical recycling for circular economy
Chemical and enzymatic process to fully break down PET plastic into reusable monomers, enabling production of new high-quality PET products. Optimized for low temperatures and atmospheric pressure, with planned recovery and reuse of breakdown chemicals for a fully circular system.
Overview
This research addresses a critical challenge in plastic recycling: achieving complete chemical breakdown of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic into its original monomers, which can then be used to manufacture new PET products with desired characteristics. Current recycling methods typically melt PET down for lower-value applications, limiting true circularity. The proposed approach combines chemical hydrolysis (using alkaline and methanolic reagents) with cutinase-based enzymatic treatment to achieve full monomer recovery, even in the presence of additives and coloring agents. A key focus is the recovery and reuse of methanol and sodium hydroxide to reduce costs and create a fully circular process.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Chemical hydrolysis of PET optimized through experimental design for temperature, alkali concentration, and methanol concentration
- Combined alkaline and methanolic reagent system operating at 75°C and atmospheric pressure
- Cutinase-based enzymatic breakdown carried out at ambient conditions without caustic chemicals
- Ozone and ultrasound pretreatment methods to enhance enzymatic activity
- Process designed to handle PET with additives and coloring agents
- Planned chemical recovery system to capture and reuse methanol and sodium hydroxide
The dual-route approach offers flexibility: the chemical pathway delivers higher conversion rates while the enzymatic route provides milder operating conditions. The optimized conditions significantly reduce energy requirements compared to conventional chemical recycling methods.
Technology readiness level
The chemical hydrolysis process has been validated through systematic optimization studies, with reaction conditions rigorously refined for temperature, reagent concentrations, and pretreatment methods. The enzymatic pathway has been demonstrated at laboratory scale with enhanced activity following ozone and ultrasound pretreatment. Future work will focus on validating the recovery and reuse of breakdown chemicals (methanol and sodium hydroxide), which is essential for achieving commercial viability and a fully circular process. The technology is currently at laboratory validation stage with clear pathways toward pilot-scale demonstration.
About Lakehead University
Lakehead University is a comprehensive Canadian public research university with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, serving Northern Ontario with a hands‑on, collaborative approach. Industry partners engage through co‑op and work‑integrated learning, fee‑for‑service analytical facilities, and an on‑campus incubator for prototypes and venture formation. Integration with the regional hospital system supports clinical translation, and the location offers direct ties to Northern supply chains and field sites. Research is supported by Canada’s Tri‑Agency, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and provincial and industry programs, with Mitacs enabling embedded internships. A dedicated technology transfer office provides IP strategy, licensing, and startup support.
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