POLIEF launches production of green PET granules

SIBUR starts producing PET partially made from recycled feedstock.

On 2 September 2020, SIBUR’s POLIEF site in Blagoveshchensk, Republic of Bashkortostan, launched production of green polyethylene terephthalate (PET) granules, which, among other materials, will utilise some 34,000 tonnes of recycled plastics annually. PET flakes derived from used food packaging will serve as a feedstock to produce virgin polymers. Compliant with the highest standards, POLIEF green granules will help satisfy growing demand for eco-friendly PET packaging while providing the manufacturer with a comprehensive solution combining virgin and recycled PET.

The approved technology that uses recycled PET (PET flakes) in virgin PET production is a cutting-edge, eco-friendly technique for industrial PET recycling, unique in Russia

“Involving recyclables in PET production is a vital part of SIBUR’s 2025 Sustainability Strategy,” said Maxim Remchukov, Sustainable Development Director at SIBUR. “By using recycled feedstock, the Company will help promote the circular economy, while also cutting its greenhouse gas emissions per tonne of end products.”

PET flakes will come from different parts of Russia, with Bashkortostan and the neighbouring regions having priority. The project will rely on intermediates from processed bottles, washed and prepared by suppliers at their own sites. The incoming feedstock will be checked for compliance with quality standards. Bashkortostan currently collects 4,000 tonnes of used PET bottles every year, with the potential to reach 20 ktpa if steps are taken to improve collection rates and sorting quality.

SIBUR has signed relevant cooperation agreements with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and the Russian Environmental Operator (REO) on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum 2019. The investment project envisages the installation of equipment to further treat and sort flakes, which will make it possible to feed the recycled feedstock directly into the existing production line. The design and detailed design documents will use the latest solutions and technologies from global leaders in industrial polymer recycling. The project is on the priority list of SIBUR’s Blagoveshchensk site for 2020–2022.

“We expect to start using recycled polyethylene terephthalate packaging at POLIEF by mid-2022. This will enable us to offer both virgin and recycled PET and contribute to promoting the circular economy. This recycling method facilitates polymer break-down and enables the repeated use of feedstock. The approved technology that uses recycled PET (PET flakes) in virgin PET production is a cutting-edge, eco-friendly technique for industrial PET recycling, unique in Russia,” said Evgeny Semenko, CEO of POLIEF.

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