With CARBIOS' aim to optimize and continuously improve its unique enzymatic PET depolymerization technology, the 4-year7 OPTI-ZYME project aims to investigate the scientific and technical levers for improving the competitiveness of the process, optimizing the necessary investments and reducing its environmental footprint.

This collaborative R&D program focuses on the technical and economic optimization of process stages, while preserving the quality of the monomers obtained. These optimizations, new developments and the exploration of innovative solutions should enhance the technology's flexibility with regards to incoming waste. Raw materials could come from different sources that are currently rarely or not recycled, notably food trays and textiles, or a mix of incoming materials. It also aims to limit input and water consumption, as well as regenerate or reduce co-products and ultimate residual waste. Finally, it seeks to support enzyme optimization to maximize the process’ economic profitability and competitiveness. The project therefore aims to achieve an overall improvement in performance, combining efficiency, quality and environmental sustainability, to benefit the Longlaville plant which is currently under construction, and future licensed plants.

Emmanuel Ladent, CEO of CARBIOS: "Innovation is at the heart of all CARBIOS activities. In our constant drive for technological improvement, and to support industrial and commercial deployment, we must continue to innovate at every stage of the process. The targeted optimizations will improve enzyme performance and contribute to greater productivity, while reducing production costs and the environmental impact of the process to meet the economic and sustainable development challenges of our future licensees. Our aim is to remain the most attractive offer on the recycling market".