Kirin Unveils New and Faster Recycling Method for Plastic Bottles

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Kirin Central Research Institute, a subsidiary of Kirin Holdings, announced a new technology in recycling PET bottles on December 15. The new development reduces the time it takes to break down plastic material by about 90%. The technology is based on chemical recycling, where raw materials are broken down to the molecular level to recover chemical components. Kirin aims to implement the technology by 2030.

Lower-Temp and Shorter-Time Recycling

Conventional chemical recycling methods require high temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius and high pressure to break down PET (polyethylene terephthalate), a raw material used in plastic bottles and synthetic fibers. Processing can take several hours. 

With the new technology, a mixture of PET, an alkaline component, and alcohol at specific ratios enables the plastic to degrade at a low temperature in the 35 to 55 degrees Celsius range, and in a short time of around 15 minutes.

The research institute also reported a new development in the purification process after dissolution based on joint research with Waseda University. This new technology allows for a significant reduction in the use of the chemical substances that were previously essential.

Reducing PET Resin by 50%

Kirin has set a goal to use recycled resin for 50% of the domestic PET resin by the year 2027. Along with the introduction of this new technology, the company plans to address challenges in scaling up and continuous operation to commercialize the new processes. The company plans to seek new partners for this purpose. A spokesperson from the Kirin Central Research Institute explained, "We aim to create an environmentally-conscious society where resources circulate." 

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