WhiteCycle envisions that by 2030, the adoption and implementation of circular solutions will enable the recycling of more than 2 million tons of PET, the third most commonly used plastic in the world. The project aims to prevent the disposal or incineration of more than 1.8 million tons of this material annually. Additionally, it will contribute to the reduction of approximately 2 million tons of CO2 emissions.
With WhiteCycle, complex components from textiles, tires, hoses, and multi-layered garments that are currently difficult to recycle and have completed their product lifecycle will soon become recyclable. The raw materials obtained from PET waste will be used to produce high-performance products through a circular and viable value chain.
The project involves 17 public and private sector organizations from 5 countries in Europe, leveraging their scientific infrastructure and industrial expertise. KORDSA represents Turkey as a work package leader in this initiative.
WhiteCycle will establish the value chain by developing new processes for PET circularity.
Innovative separation technologies that significantly increase the PET plastic content for better processing of complex waste streams;
A pre-treatment process for recycled PET content, followed by an innovative biotechnology-based recycling process for sustainable recycling and the purification of monomers;
Repolymerization of recycled monomers;
Manufacturing and quality validation of new products made from recycled plastic materials.
The project has a budget of approximately €9.6 million, with about €7.1 million funded by the European Union.
