VTT is launching a new research project, PETcovery, which focuses on the recycling of PET plastics and polyester-based textiles. The aim of the project is to demonstrate a chemical recycling method for polyester products, based on new types of catalysts, which enables closed material loops. The project supports the sustainable use of materials with the goal of reducing the need for fossil-based raw materials in the plastics and textile industry.
Globally, over 50 million tonnes of polyester plastics are produced annually, of which only a fraction ends up being efficiently recycled. While the recycling rate for plastic bottles is as high as 50 percent, but by adding textiles it drops below 15 percent. Chemical recycling methods that restore the quality of plastic to its original level are not yet widely used due to technical, economic, and scalability challenges. The EU is now more favourably disposed towards chemical recycling, provided it does not undermine the use of pure and easily mechanically recyclable plastics.
The main objective of the PETcovery project is to demonstrate how, using new catalysts, chemical recycling of polyester can be carried out faster and at a lower temperature than in conventional glycolysis processes.
“Plastic packaging has been separately collected in Finland for ten years, and separate collection of textile waste has also started in recent years, but recycling methods that enable high-value new products have not yet broken through on a large scale. The glycolysis process based on new catalysts makes closed loops back into plastic products or textiles possible, even for materials that are difficult to recycle,” says project manager and VTT’s Principal Scientist, Pirjo Heikkilä.
The process, which has been implemented on a laboratory scale, is intended to be scaled up. In addition, the project will focus on the cleaning needs of materials, including color removal and ensuring the quality of the recycled material.
Innovative Solutions and Collaboration
The project utilises VTT’s strong expertise in material research and process technology and is carried out in cooperation with industry. The aim is to demonstrate that PET plastics and PET-based textiles can be competitively and sustainably recycled back into raw materials for the plastics and textile industry.
“Our goal is that, after the Co-Research project co-funded by Business Finland, companies, and VTT, we will be ready to scale up the process directly with companies or, alternatively, in broader cooperation, for example in an EU-funded project,” says Heikkilä.
Sustainable Development and Impact
The PETcovery project supports Finland’s national circular economy targets and the EU’s Green Deal programme. Chemical recycling enables the utilisation of materials that are not suitable for mechanical recycling.
“A real breakthrough in the circular economy requires that all materials are returned to the cycle – chemical recycling is key here, especially for difficult-to-recycle composites or contaminated materials,” says VTT’s Research Professor Ali Harlin.
“Polyester is the second most important class of commodity plastics, and improving its recycling efficiency could elevate it to one of the most significant plastics alongside polyolefins (PE/PP).”
The outcomes of the project will include reduction of the amount of plastic waste, decrease the carbon footprint, and promote the market for recycled materials.
The PETcovery project, with a budget of over one million euros, began on 01/12/2025 and will continue until 30/11/2027. VTT’s company partners in the project are Valmet Technologies Oy, Alta Performance Materials, Inosence Polyol Oy, Sumi Oy, and Brightplus Oy.
Development Manager Heli Kangas remarks: "For Valmet, the PETcovery project provides new knowledge and insights into recycling of polyester-based materials, which will help us in development of processes for recycling of textiles and industrial technical fabrics, such as Dryer Fabrics. In addition, the project targets at scaling up of the developed processes, for which Valmet can provide its expertise."
Further information:
More information about the PETcovery project can be found on the project website. https://petcoveryproject.fi/
Project manager and contact person: Principal Scientist Pirjo Heikkilä, [email protected]
Questions about the recycling process: Research Professor Ali Harlin, [email protected]
