IFPEN, Axens, and JEPLAN validate T2T recycling process for polyester

IFP Energies nouvelles (IFPEN), along with its subsidiary Axens and JEPLAN, has successfully validated a textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling process for polyester at a semi-industrial scale. The process, called “Rewind,” demonstrates the potential for large-scale circular polyester production using post-consumer waste.

The validation took place at JEPLAN’s Kitakyushu Hibikinada pilot plant in Japan. During the trial, the process converted polyester-rich textile waste collected and sorted in France into tens of tonnes of bis (2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET), a key raw material used to produce polyethylene terephthalate (PET). This BHET will soon be used to create new polyester yarns and fabrics for garments.

The partners described the Rewind process as one of the first to operate at a scale relevant to industrial use. It shows that the technology can function effectively in conditions similar to a commercial production facility.

Quentin Debuisschert stated that the project brings together scientific research, engineering, and operational expertise to prove the effectiveness and reliability of the Rewind PET process, supporting the move toward a more circular textile system.