Chemical recovery of useful chemicals from polyester (PET) waste for resource conservation: A survey of state of the art

In this paper we present the main technologies developed over the last decades on chemical recycle of PET from a practical and economical point of view. We show details of plants used to carry out solvolitic reactions emphasising steps of purification, which are sometimes not considered when discussing chemical, recycle but which, in fact, are the key feasibility factors. The recycling or modification of PET to obtain monomers and other useful chemicals as intermediates and additives is carefully considered.