Changhua Chemical Reports Progress in Low-Temperature Chemical Depolymerization of PET Waste

ZHANGJIAGANG, China – Changhua Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. has announced laboratory-scale results for a new chemical depolymerization technology aimed at Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) recycling. The process seeks to address the energy intensity and environmental challenges associated with conventional chemical recycling methods.

Technical Specifications and Process Efficiency Standard chemical recycling typically requires high-temperature environments (180°C to 280°C) and high-pressure conditions, which can lead to significant energy consumption and potential equipment corrosion. In contrast, Changhua Chemical’s method utilizes a specialized composite catalyst that operates at temperatures between 90°C and 130°C under near-atmospheric pressure.

Preliminary data indicates that the technology can achieve a degradation rate exceeding 95% within a 2-to-4-hour reaction window.

Reported Performance and Potential Impact According to the company’s internal assessment, the technology offers several potential operational advantages:

• Energy Consumption: A projected reduction in energy requirements of 40% to 60% compared to traditional chemical methods.

• Waste Management: The process produces minimal liquid waste, and the core catalyst is reportedly reusable for over five cycles.

• Material Versatility: The system is designed to process various materials, including polyester packaging, polyurethane foam, and contaminated mixed polyesters, with reduced requirements for pre-treatment.

• Product Quality: Certain decomposition outputs meet virgin-grade standards, suitable for applications in high-end textiles, medical supplies, and new energy sectors.

Current Stage and Outlook Li Peng, President of the Changhua Chemical Research Institute, stated that the company will continue to collaborate with academic and technical institutions to optimize the process for large-scale application.

While the laboratory results are promising, the technology remains in the early stages of industrialization. Its long-term economic viability and environmental impact will require further observation as it transitions toward commercial-scale implementation.