Axens, a global leader in plastics technology licensing, has announced a strategic partnership with SOREMA, a specialist in plastics recycling, to provide comprehensive solutions for both chemical and mechanical recycling of plastic waste. This collaboration aims to deliver integrated and optimized processes that maximize the efficiency, yield, and revenue potential from plastic waste, contributing to the development of a circular plastics economy worldwide.

Axens brings a suite of advanced commercial technologies to the partnership. These include the TAC Process, developed by Plastic Energy, followed by Axens’ Rewind Max and Rewind Mix processes. Together, these technologies facilitate the production of recycled naphtha, which is chemically equivalent to petrochemical naphtha and serves as a key raw material in manufacturing food-grade recycled polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene. Additionally, Axens markets its Rewind PET process, designed to recycle all types of PET waste into high-quality, virgin-like PET. This process ensures that recycled PET meets stringent standards for use in food packaging, textiles, and other applications requiring high purity.

SOREMA, on the other hand, specializes in mechanical recycling and feedstock preparation, ensuring that plastic waste is effectively processed before entering Axens’ advanced recycling units. By combining their expertise, the two companies can offer end-to-end recycling solutions, from initial waste treatment to the production of high-quality recycled materials. Their services range from basic engineering design to the delivery of prefabricated modular recycling units, making the solutions adaptable to various industrial needs.

Stéphane Fédou, Vice President of Axens’ Plastic Circular Economy division, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “By working with SOREMA, we can now offer clients comprehensive recycling solutions that maximize the value of plastic waste streams. This collaboration highlights the crucial synergy between mechanical and chemical recycling in building a truly circular economy for plastics on a global scale.”

Beyond this partnership, other industry leaders are also making strides in improving plastic recycling. In late 2024, BASF announced a joint initiative with Endress+Hauser, TechnoCompound, and the Universities of Bayreuth and Jena to enhance mechanical recycling. With funding from Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), the project integrates measuring techniques with artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the composition of plastic waste during recycling. By using spectroscopic methods, researchers aim to improve the quality of recycled plastics and optimize sorting processes.

In another significant move, the European Commission recently approved a €500 million French initiative under EU State Aid rules to support chemical recycling. This program focuses on converting mixed and contaminated plastic waste—such as films, trays, non-beverage bottles, and polyester-based textiles—into high-quality virgin-like raw materials.

The Axens-SOREMA collaboration, along with these broader industry initiatives, signals a strong commitment to advancing plastic recycling technology. By integrating mechanical and chemical recycling, the industry is taking critical steps toward reducing plastic waste, promoting sustainability, and fostering a circular economy on a global scale.