Kirin Holdings and The Japan Steel Works successfully demonstrated PET alkaline depolymerization technology using actual equipment, achieving a depolymerization rate of at least 95%. The demonstration, conducted using the TEX series of twin-screw compounding extruders, is regarded as a step toward the practical application of PET chemical recycling.
Kirin Holdings and The Japan Steel Works conducted a demonstration of PET alkaline depolymerization technology using actual equipment, in collaboration with the Packaging Innovation Research Institute and The Japan Steel Works. The research included evaluations under conditions close to those of an actual production line. Kirin’s research organization, led by Akihiko Matsuda (松田明彦), worked with The Japan Steel Works’ technical team to verify the technology.
The demonstration used a TEX series twin-screw compounding extruder to carry out the PET alkaline depolymerization reaction with actual equipment. The applicability of the equipment and the conditions for controlling the reaction were confirmed, and the findings suggest that studies toward scale-up may have progressed.
The reported results included a depolymerization rate of at least 95%, positioning the achievement as progress toward the practical application of PET chemical recycling. The main text does not state whether additional data or mass-production testing will be conducted, but it emphasizes that the technology demonstration was successfully completed.