PT Kahatex incorporates novel PET recycling technology

Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering’s homogenization technology has been utilized by PT Kahatex, one of Indonesia’s largest manufacturers of woven and circular-knitted fabrics, to mechanically recycle prepared polyester (PET) waste.

Oerlikon Barmag and Yangzhou Huitong Chemical Engineering Technique Co. Ltd. collaborated on Oerlikon Barmag Huitong Engineering, which produced cutting-edge technology that effectively manages a variety of PET waste. This creative arrangement processes post-industrial waste (like popcorn), bottle pieces, and films. By guaranteeing a steady and uniform melt, this innovation essentially further develops consistency, consequently empowering the creation of excellent starter items produced using reused PET (rPET) like melt, chips and fiber materials for direct spinning.

PT Kahatex, which manufactures high-end textiles for Asian, US, and European markets, implemented a system in May 2022 that could recycle 25 tons of popcorn and bottle flakes per day. The waste materials are transformed into chips of high quality that can be used to make POY and DTY textiles.

Kahatex and Chinese fiber manufacturers are already adopting the homogenization technology, which continues to be highly appealing. Through direct-spinning processes, they are utilizing this to recycle yarn waste and bottle flakes into staple fibers and filament yarns. This strategy has proven to be successful and is gaining traction in the business.