CARBIOS (Euronext Growth Paris: ALCRB), a trailblazer in advancing biological technologies to revolutionize the life cycle of plastic and textiles, and TOMRA Textiles, a technology venture launched by sorting leader TOMRA (Oslo Stock Exchange: TOM.OL), have signed an agreement to collaborate on establishing a streamlined process in Northern Europe. This initiative will cover textile waste collection, sorting, and preparation for recycling using CARBIOS’ enzymatic depolymerization technology. This technology will be implemented at CARBIOS’ first commercial plant, currently under construction in Longlaville, France.
The obtained monomers will be utilized in the production of recycled polyester (r-PET) fiber, completing the cycle for polyester textile circularity.
The advancements by TOMRA Textiles and CARBIOS address crucial gaps in the value chain, substantially enhancing textile-to-textile recycling from its current rate of 1%. This accelerates the transition to a circular economy for polyester, offering a sustainable alternative to incineration or landfill.
TOMRA Textiles aims to enhance textile circularity by designing and scaling textile sorting facilities. Through this partnership agreement, TOMRA Textiles will investigate concrete measures to prepare post-consumer polyester waste for biorecycling in accordance with CARBIOS’ requirements.
“CARBIOS is spearheading the creation of an effective value chain for textile circularity and collaborates closely with global industry leaders like TOMRA to shape the future of sustainable textiles,” said Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of CARBIOS.
“The textile industry has long prioritized cost and efficiency. Bridging this gap requires scaling every aspect of a circular value chain—from collection and sorting to recycling technologies. Future recycling solutions hinge on consistent access to feedstock. Through our collaboration with CARBIOS, we aim to catalyze additional investments necessary to expand textile circularity,” said Vibeke Krohn, Head of TOMRA Textiles.
CARBIOS is a biotechnology company dedicated to advancing biological solutions that revolutionize the life cycles of plastic and textiles. Drawing inspiration from nature, CARBIOS employs enzyme-based processes to break down plastic, aiming to mitigate pollution from plastics and textiles and accelerate the shift towards a circular economy. The company has developed two groundbreaking technologies: one for biorecycling PET and another for biodegrading PLA, both of which are scaling up for industrial and commercial use. CARBIOS’ biorecycling demonstration plant has been operational since 2021, and in collaboration with Indorama Ventures, it is currently constructing its first industrial plant. Founded in 2011 by Truffle Capital, CARBIOS has garnered scientific acclaim, including recognition on the cover of Nature. The company enjoys support from leading brands in industries such as cosmetics, food and beverage, and apparel, all aiming to enhance the recyclability and circularity of their products. Notable members of CARBIOS’ packaging consortium, established with L’Oréal, include Nestlé Waters, PepsiCo, and Suntory Beverage & Food Europe. Additionally, CARBIOS collaborates with prominent names in the textile sector, including Patagonia, PUMA, PVH Corp., and Salomon, through its textile consortium.
Source: https://www.chemanalyst.com/