ShenZhen Jakeconn Precision Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jakeconn.com
World polyester industry embarked on a "ring" runway
The availability of petroleum resources has significantly fueled the growth of the global polyester industry. However, the non-renewable nature of oil has become a major challenge for this sector. As oil reserves face depletion, the polyester industry is increasingly seen as a strategic area that governments and companies must address. With growing environmental awareness, recycling waste materials has become a key focus in the movement toward a sustainable circular economy. In 2008, Forbes listed recycled fibers made from eco-friendly materials among its top ten trends, signaling a shift in industry priorities.
Polyester recycling has gained widespread attention globally. Countries like Belarus collect polyester waste from households and businesses, while an Australian company is developing individual recycling systems to improve efficiency. In Europe, 17 countries have confirmed that recycled polyester fiber is safe and reliable for use in food packaging. Japan also took early action, implementing a comprehensive container recycling law in April 2000.
Governments are not the only ones taking action—companies are actively involved in recycling efforts. According to the Japan PET Bottle Recycling Association, Japan produced nearly 200,000 tons of recycled polyester in 2007. Coca-Cola established the first plant for recycled polyester bottles in Mexico in 2005, part of a long-term plan to recycle 100% of PET bottles in North America. In India, a state-owned company is working on producing high-quality recycled polyester for the packaging industry, with plans to process 30,000 tons of waste plastic annually. Meanwhile, Teijin Chemical introduced its chemical recycling technology in China, sparking interest in the country’s textile and chemical sectors.
Chemical recycling is at the core of achieving full polyester recycling. Unlike physical methods, which produce lower-quality fibers, chemical recycling allows for the extraction of high-purity monomers, enabling the creation of new, high-performance polyester. This closed-loop system represents a green chemical process. Teijin began researching chemical recycling as early as 1992 and introduced a fully recycled polyester fiber technology in 2002. Their "ECOCIRCLE" system now enables recycling from used fibers and bottles, creating a true circular model.
Other Japanese companies, such as Asahi Kasei and Toray, are also exploring polyester recycling, while Dupont is investing in similar technologies. Teijin's recycled polyester reduces energy consumption by about 84% and CO2 emissions by 77% compared to virgin polyester. Recycling one ton of polyester saves the energy equivalent of one family’s annual usage, highlighting its environmental benefits.
In the U.S. and Japan, policies support the growth of recycled polyester, offering preferential procurement and higher market value. These materials are widely used in clothing, household items, shopping bags, and even automotive textiles. Additionally, the industry is moving toward greener production methods, with titanium-based catalysts replacing traditional heavy metals like lanthanum and cerium.
As energy conservation and environmental protection become more critical, the polyester recycling industry plays a vital role in sustainable development. If the global polyester industry embraces circular practices, it can transform into a model of environmental responsibility. From an ecological and resource management perspective, polyester recycling is not just a business opportunity—it is a national and economic necessity.