Depolymerization
Technology
Also known as: Molecular Recycling, Solvolysis, Chemolysis
Quick Overview
Depolymerization reverses polymerization to recover pure monomers for virgin-quality recycled polymers.
Overview
Chemical recycling process that breaks polymers back into their original monomers through solvolysis (glycolysis, methanolysis, hydrolysis) or enzymatic action. Enables true circularity for condensation polymers like PET, PA, and PU.
Key Concepts
Depolymerization reverses polymerization to recover pure monomers for virgin-quality recycled polymers.
Industry Landscape
Major Companies & Projects
Carbios, Loop Industries, Gramex, Ioniqa, Eastman, Indorama, JEPLAN, Jeplan are actively developing depolymerization technologies and applications.
Applications
PET bottles, Polyester textiles, Polyamides, Polyurethanes
Standards & Certifications
ISCC PLUS, RSB, FDA Food Contact
Related Terms
chemical-recycling, enzymatic-recycling, circular-economy, bio-pet
Further Reading
- Industry reports from Nova-Institute, European Bioplastics, ISCC
- Peer-reviewed literature in Green Chemistry, ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
- Regulatory updates from EU Commission, USDA BioPreferred, FDA
Standards & Certifications
- ISCC PLUS
- RSB
- FDA Food Contact
Major Producers
- Carbios
- Loop Industries
- Gramex
- Ioniqa
- Eastman
- Indorama
- JEPLAN
- Jeplan
Key Applications
- PET bottles
- Polyester textiles
- Polyamides
- Polyurethanes