ShenZhen Jakeconn Precision Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.jakeconn.com
World polyester industry embarked on a "ring" runway
In today's world, petroleum resources have played a crucial role in driving the rapid development of the global polyester industry. However, the non-renewable nature of oil has raised serious concerns for the long-term sustainability of this sector. As oil reserves become increasingly scarce, the polyester industry is being forced to look toward sustainable alternatives, making recycling a key strategic move for governments and businesses alike. With growing public awareness of environmental issues, waste recycling is now seen as an essential part of the circular economy, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.
The importance of recycled fibers was highlighted in the 2008 Forbes Top Ten Trends, where eco-friendly materials were recognized as a major innovation. This trend has since gained momentum worldwide. In countries like Belarus, polyester waste is collected from both businesses and households, while an Australian company is developing individual recycling nets to facilitate the process. In Europe, 17 countries have approved the use of recycled polyester fiber in food packaging, confirming its safety and reliability. Japan also took early action, implementing a comprehensive container recycling law in April 2000.
Governments are not the only ones taking action—companies around the globe are actively investing in polyester recycling. According to the Japan PET Bottle Recycling Association, Japan produced nearly 200,000 tons of recycled polyester in 2007. Global beverage giant Coca-Cola established the first plant for producing recycled polyester bottles in Mexico, starting operations in August 2005 as part of its long-term goal to recycle or reuse 100% of PET bottles in North America. Meanwhile, India’s state-owned intercontinental recycling company is working on producing high-quality recycled polyester for the packaging industry, with plans to process 30,000 tons of plastic waste annually.
Teijin Chemical, a Japanese leader in the field, introduced advanced chemical recycling technology in Beijing, bringing cutting-edge trends to China and sparking significant interest in the domestic chemical and textile industries. Chemical recycling, which uses advanced processes to break down polyester into pure monomers, allows for the creation of new, high-quality fibers in a closed-loop system. Unlike physical recycling, which can only produce lower-grade fibers, chemical recycling offers a more sustainable and efficient solution.
Teijin began researching chemical recycling as early as 1992, and by 2002, it had developed a fully recycled polyester fiber technology. The company’s “ECOCIRCLE†system enabled the production of fibers from used polyester, and later, even from recycled bottles. This "from bottle to bottle" approach marked a major milestone in sustainable manufacturing.
Other Japanese companies, such as Asahi Kasei and Toray, are also exploring ways to recycle polyester and nylon fibers. These efforts are helping to transform the industry into a more environmentally friendly one. According to Teijin’s officials, using recycled polyester can reduce energy consumption by about 84% and cut CO2 emissions by 77% compared to traditional methods. Recycling just one ton of polyester saves the energy equivalent of an entire family’s annual consumption.
In the U.S. and Japan, supportive policies have encouraged the growth of the recycled polyester market. Recycled products often enjoy preferential procurement rights and can even command higher prices than virgin polyester. Polyester is widely used in clothing, household goods, shopping bags, and automotive textiles. To further enhance sustainability, new catalysts like titanium are replacing heavy metals such as lanthanum and cerium in production processes. These eco-friendly alternatives are now being used in various applications, from civilian fibers to polyester films.
With the global push for energy conservation and environmental protection, the polyester recycling industry holds increasing social significance. If the global polyester sector embraces a circular model, it could transform into a truly green industry. From an environmental and resource management perspective, polyester recycling is not just a business opportunity—it's a project that benefits the country, the people, and the economy in the long run.