What the Project Is
GR3N is dedicated to the responsible and mindful utilization of plastic materials. PLASTIC IS ONE OF THE GREATEST GLOBAL ISSUES, but its use remains useful and necessary in many fields. An innovative process using microwaves to depolymerize PET has paved the way for a recycling method that is both efficient and economically competitive with oil‐based production of PET. This process allows the production of the same monomers used in the conventional synthesis of PET while exploiting full integration with the existing value chain. The process is robust enough to treat highly contaminated materials, turning waste into valuable resources. In other words, recycling plastic is the first step towards a greener world… and doing it in a sustainable way is the next.
Main Benefit
An economically viable solution for recycling Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is at the heart of GR3N’s approach. The benefits are numerous and backed by key figures:
- Estimates indicate that by 2060, global plastic production will increase from 460Mt to 1231Mt compared to 2019.
- In 2060, an estimated 44Mt of plastic could be discharged into the environment if no action is taken.
- GR3N’s innovative microwave-assisted depolymerization process produces monomers that are fully comparable to those from conventional synthesis.
- The process creates significant environmental benefits by reducing waste and upcycling PET recycling.
Innovation and Experience
The foundation of GR3N’s success lies in more than a decade of experience, starting with the pioneering work done by Dr. Maurizio Crippa and Dr. Matteo Parravicini. They began exploring the use of microwaves to depolymerize PET at lab scale, and in 2011, a patent titled “Method and apparatus for the recycling of polymeric materials via depolymerization process” was filed. That same year, the company was founded, marking the beginning of a revolutionary journey. This innovative research is the fuel behind a project that has continually evolved to meet the challenges of plastic waste in today’s world.
Milestones and Achievements
The evolution of GR3N is highlighted by significant milestones that have established its reputation in the recycling and cleantech industries. In 2012, GR3N was awarded the CTI label, spotlighting its potential among creative entrepreneurs and securing its position as a finalist at the Cleantech Open (CTO). Progress continued with the European project DEMETO in 2013, funded by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. Such achievements have not only validated the innovative process but also propelled GR3N toward future milestones.
Partnerships and Future Prospects
Growth and progress often go hand in hand with strong partnerships. In 2017, Series A funding brought in major investors such as Intecsa Industrial, Standex International, Chevron Technology Venture (CTV), and UpCycle. This injected capital and confidence into the project, fostering further development. The momentum did not stop there; in 2021, GR3N’s process—MADE, Microwave Assisted DEpolymerization—garnered the prestigious Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Label. By 2022, GR3N announced that the goal of becoming the world’s leading supplier of enhanced recycled PET was closer to reality, underscored by a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with its shareholder Intecsa Industrial. The momentum continued as, in 2023, GR3N and Intecsa Industrial confirmed their partnership to build the first PET recycling plant—MADE, the second demo plant.
Recent Projects and Developments
GR3N’s innovative process is not just about recycling on a large scale but also about a series of recent projects that underscore its commitment to transforming plastic waste into valuable resources. Notable projects include Auto-Twin in December 2022, Waste2BioComp in June 2022, and C-PET in January 2022. Each project reflects an ongoing commitment to achieving sustainability goals through science and technology. This range of initiatives demonstrates a dynamic approach to problem-solving in the realm of plastic recycling, with each project serving as a building block in a much larger vision.
Project Impact
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Looking Ahead
The journey of GR3N is a perfect example of how traditional challenges can be met with innovative solutions that are both practical and visionary. From the early research on microwave depolymerization to the recent launch of pilot projects and strategic partnerships, every step of the way has been marked by the drive to transform plastic waste from a global issue into an opportunity for environmental benefit. GR3N’s commitment to achieving economic viability while ensuring significant environmental benefits speaks volumes about its long-term vision. It is a testament to how an improved recycling process can seamlessly integrate into the conventional synthesis of PET while simultaneously creating a huge benefit for the environment… an endeavor that is as necessary as it is transformative.
