Carbios Considers Launching New PET Depolymerization Plant in Turkey

CARBIOS (Euronext Growth Paris: ALCRB), a pioneer in advancing and industrializing biological technologies to transform the lifecycle of plastics and textiles, has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with SASA, a major global producer of polyester, fiber, filament yarn, polyester-based polymers, specialty polymers, and intermediates. This LOI outlines a potential collaboration where SASA would acquire a license for CARBIOS’ innovative PET biorecycling technology. The proposed licensing agreement would enable SASA to build and operate an enzymatic depolymerization plant in Adana, Turkey, with a capacity to process 100,000 tons of prepared PET waste annually. This plant would utilize CARBIOS' circular recycling technology to produce polyester pellets, fibers, and textiles from various waste materials, including polyester textile waste. By adopting CARBIOS' biorecycling technology, SASA aims to expand its product offerings and address the increasing global demand for sustainable materials in the textile industry, particularly targeting the European market.

Currently, less than 1% of textile waste is recycled into new textile fibers. With European regulations mandating the inclusion of at least 20% recycled fibers by 2030, the demand for recycled polyester in the EU is expected to rise, positioning Turkey as a significant producer alongside Asian countries. In this landscape, SASA aims to become the leading supplier of high value-added polyester in the region and beyond. To achieve this goal, SASA plans to incorporate recycling into its operations, which already cover the entire value chain from PET production to fiber and textile processing. CARBIOS’ PET biorecycling technology is a crucial element in SASA’s transformation strategy, which focuses on vertical integration, capacity expansion, enhanced competitiveness, and promoting circularity.

CARBIOS has developed groundbreaking enzymatic depolymerization technology that facilitates efficient, solvent-free recycling of PET plastic and textile waste into products akin to virgin materials. With ambitious goals to become a leading provider of PET recycling technology by 2035, CARBIOS has recently announced a joint Letter of Intent with Zhink Group in China. This new Letter of Intent for a potential licensing agreement in Europe further demonstrates the global appeal of CARBIOS' biorecycling technology and represents a significant milestone in the international expansion of its licensing model. In addition to the world’s first industrial-scale enzymatic PET recycling plant currently under construction in Longlaville, France, this prospective plant in Turkey would address PET waste that conventional recycling methods cannot process.

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of CARBIOS, stated, "As we develop significant PET yarn and fiber manufacturing capabilities on a European scale, we believe Turkey will be crucial in the growing textile market. Partnering with SASA, a leading polyester producer, aligns perfectly with CARBIOS' global licensing ambitions for our biorecycling technology and will support the transition to a more circular and sustainable textile industry."

Dr. M. Kemal Öz, General Manager of SASA, commented, "As a leading polyester producer, it is our responsibility to lead in sustainability and environmental stewardship. SASA must be involved in the recycling sector, and our partnership with CARBIOS strengthens our dedication to innovation and advancing a circular economy for textiles."