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Chemical recycling process for the production of 1,000 kg per year of BHET by glycolysis of PET
Original title: Procés de reciclatge químic per a la producció de 1.000 kg anuals de BHET mitjançant glicòlisi de PET
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Scientists designed a process that breaks down plastic bottles (PET) into their original building blocks using a chemical bath, creating material as pure as new plastic. This matters because it could reduce plastic waste and microplastic pollution more effectively than typical recycling, which often produces lower quality plastic over time.
[EN}This final-year project proposes the technical design and evaluation of a chemical depolymerisation process focused on polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The core of the project is the conversion of plastic waste into bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), its constituent monomer, allowing this material to be reintegrated into the value chain with a purity equivalent to that of virgin raw material. Unlike mechanical recycling, this glycolysis method allows the polymer’s life cycle to be closed without it losing its mechanical or chemical properties in each cycle, thereby reducing direct dependence on fossil resources. The project will be scaled to achieve a production capacity of 1,000 kg of BHET per year. To achieve this objective, the research will address the following variables: Process Optimisation: The influence of the type of catalyst and the optimal operating temperature will be determined. Kinetics and Stoichiometry: Analysis of the PET: glycol molar ratio and the reaction times required to maximise yield. Process Engineering: Development of a detailed theoretical model of material and energy balances to ensure the efficiency of the system. In addition, the final-year project will include a detailed analysis of the operational costs associated with the supply of PET waste; the energy consumption resulting from the reaction and purification stages; and the economic projection based on the quality of the BHET obtained compared to the market for traditional monomers. Variables such as the type of catalyst, temperature, and the PET: glycol molar ratio must also be taken into account. The significance of this study lies in its ability to transform an environmental problem into a tangible industrial opportunity. The project is fully aligned with the 2030 Agenda, directly impacting: SDG 9 (Industry and Innovation): Through the development of advanced chemical infrastructure. SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): By promoting genuine circular economy models. SDGs 13, 14 and 15 (Climate Action and Ecosystems): By reducing 𝑂₂ emissions; and mitigating the proliferation o microplastics in terrestrial and marine environments.
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