Kirin Holdings Company, Limited (“Kirin”), through its Packaging Innovation Institute, and The Japan Steel Works, Ltd. (“JSW”), conducted a demonstration test of alkaline depolymerization technology capable of rapidly depolymerizing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) using production-scale equipment, with commercialization in mind. This technology addresses challenges associated with conventional chemical recycling technologies*1, which typically require high temperatures and long reaction times. As a result, the companies depolymerized over 95% of the PET and established operating conditions enabling stable PET depolymerization at a throughput of 250 kg/h or greater. These achievements provided valuable knowledge regarding equipment specifications and operating conditions required for the design of commercial-scale processes and established the technological foundation for commercialization.
This initiative demonstrated the alkaline depolymerization technology developed by Kirin*2 using JSW’s Twin Screw Extruder TEX αⅢ series*3. It represents the first such demonstration in Japan of an alkaline depolymerization process using this equipment under conditions designed to simulate a commercial-scale production process*4. The achievement also contributes to advancing PET resource recycling and supports the Kirin Group’s goal of realizing “a society that circulates containers and packaging in a sustainable way,” as outlined in the Kirin Group Environmental Vision 2050*5.
Research Background
The use of PET products, including PET bottles, continues to increase globally, making resource circulation increasingly important. Mechanical recycling, currently the dominant recycling method for beverage PET bottles, is generally limited to feedstock derived from used beverage bottles. Chemical recycling depolymerizes and purifies PET feedstocks, creating the potential to recycle a broader range of PET materials into high-quality PET, not limited to beverage bottles. However, conventional technologies have faced challenges related to energy efficiency and cost due to the need for high-temperature and long-duration reaction conditions.
To address these challenges, Kirin has been developing low-energy, highly efficient alkaline depolymerization technology for PET and promoting research aimed at realizing a circular economy.
Research Results
Kirin and JSW conducted a demonstration test of an alkaline depolymerization process using production-scale equipment.
Kirin was responsible for developing the core technology, while JSW handled equipment design and optimization of operating conditions. By combining the expertise and technical knowledge of both companies, the demonstration test was successfully conducted using production-scale equipment based on the Twin Screw Extruder TEX αⅢ series.
Detailed results of this work will be presented at the 57th Autumn Meeting of the Society of Chemical Engineers, Japan, to be held in September 2026 (Site Top | SCEJ 57th Autumn Meeting).
