Schneider Electric and GR3N launch innovative plastic recycling system

Schneider Electric has collaborated with GR3N, a PET chemical recycler, to develop an innovative open automation system aimed at enhancing the advanced plastic recycling industry. This system utilizes alkaline hydrolysis to decompose PET into its fundamental chemical components, allowing for the creation of new PET pellets that closely resemble virgin quality. This advancement is crucial for addressing the significant issue of plastic waste, with 50% of global plastic waste currently ending up in landfills. The partnership is designed to tackle the growing global demand for plastics, which is projected to triple by 2060. With approximately 460 million tons of plastic produced annually, a staggering 70% is either sent to landfills or poorly managed. The collaboration aims to revolutionize the consumption model necessary to meet this demand while also curbing pollution and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The technology's modular and hardware-agnostic nature allows for rapid scaling and reconfiguration, enabling GR3N to optimize operations and mitigate supply chain issues. The solution is expected to reach industrial scale by 2027, with plans for a 35-40kta plant that will encompass pre-treatment, depolymerization, and repolymerization processes. This initiative exemplifies the need for integration across the entire product lifecycle, emphasizing modularization and software-defined automation. By improving flexibility and efficiency, the partnership between Schneider Electric and GR3N is set to significantly advance the capabilities of plastic recycling, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.