Abstract
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is one of the most widely produced and consumed thermoplastic polymers globally, with applications spanning from textiles and high-strength fibres to photographic films and disposable beverage containers. Recent statistics indicate that global production of PET resin exceeded 24 million tons and is expected to continue to increase, potentially reaching 1800 million tons by 2050. Thus, this work explores the scale-up considerations for PET recycling using microwave- assisted glycolysis, leveraging experimental results obtained from laboratory analysis to recover its monomeric constituent, bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). BHET can be employed in the reverse reaction, leading to the repolymerization of PET through polycondensation, closing the material loop.
A comprehensive mapping of the experimental protocols was obtained to quantify material and energy inputs and outputs. This analysis is crucial for developing a techno-economic framework to assess the efficiency and scalability of implementing microwave heating at an industrial level. The insights gained from this study are expected to significantly inform future scale-up efforts, ensuring enhanced economic viability and environmental sustainability compared to conventional heating methods.
