In a strategic collaboration, the biochemistry company Carbios has entered into a partnership with Landbell Group, a German provider specializing in closed-loop recycling solutions. The focus of this partnership is the management of post-consumer PET (polyethylene terephthalate) waste, a crucial step in advancing sustainable practices in the plastics industry. The collaboration is centered around Carbios' first commercial plant, located in Longlaville, France, and is set to commence operations in 2026. Both companies have formalized their commitment through a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU).

Landbell Group is poised to play a pivotal role in this partnership by supplying Carbios with 15 kilotonnes (kt) per year of PET flakes, commencing from 2026. This consistent and substantial supply of PET flakes is integral to sustaining a reliable and environmentally conscious PET production chain. The PET flakes supplied by Landbell Group will serve as a crucial feedstock for Carbios, undergoing a transformative process to produce food-grade PTA (purified terephthalic acid) and MEG (monoethylene glycol). These components will further be re-polymerized into PET, completing the recycling loop.

Carbios' proprietary technology, featuring a highly selective enzyme, minimizes the need for extensive sorting and washing compared to traditional recycling methods. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of the recycling process but also holds the promise of future energy and water savings, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient model.

Landbell Group, in its role, is committed to redirecting problematic PET fractions, including multilayered, colored, and opaque trays from packaging waste, as well as polyester textile waste, towards recycling channels. Addressing challenges associated with such PET fractions, particularly multilayered structures in trays used for food packaging, is a key objective of this collaboration. The redirection of these challenging fractions towards recycling aligns with the broader sustainability goals of both companies.

As part of the collaboration, Carbios aims to source 70% of its feedstock required for the 50kt per year capacity of its Longlaville, France plant. This achievement will be realized through the combined efforts of partnerships, including the supply of multilayer trays via the CITEO tender in France and the MoU with Indorama Ventures. The Longlaville plant, strategically located near the borders of Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg, is poised to benefit from a geographically advantageous position for sourcing waste supplies.

Commenting on the partnership, Landbell Group's Chief Operating Officer, Uwe Echteler, emphasized the challenges associated with recycling PET trays, particularly those with a multi-layered structure. These trays are widely used in food packaging due to their excellent barrier properties, transparency, and strength. The collaboration seeks to address these challenges and redirect problematic PET fractions towards sustainable recycling solutions.

Carbios' CEO, Emmanuel Ladent, highlighted the broader vision of the collaboration, emphasizing the reduction of bottle usage and the diversification of raw material sources. By doing so, Carbios and Landbell Group are actively advancing sustainability in the plastics industry while effectively meeting market demands. The collaboration sets the stage for a future where waste transforms into a valuable resource, exemplifying a paradigm shift towards a circular and environmentally responsible model in the plastics manufacturing sector.