The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has selected biotechnology company Protein Evolution to lead a project aimed at improving and scaling a biological process that converts polyethylene terephthalate (PET) textile waste into the basic chemical materials needed to produce new polyester.

Protein Evolution, based in New Haven, Connecticut, will work on the project with pilot plant specialist Xytel and the National Laboratory of the Rockies, formerly known as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

The project is one of 56 initiatives receiving a share of $117 million from the DOE’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation. The funding programme focuses on reducing manufacturing costs, improving energy efficiency and strengthening domestic supply chains.

Protein Evolution is expected to receive $3 million, although the final funding amount and the company’s required contribution could change as the agreement is finalised.