GR3N, an innovator in chemical recycling, has teamed up with Schneider Electric to develop an open automation system for advanced plastic recycling. The collaboration leverages Schneider’s EcoStruxure Automation Expert platform to decouple hardware from software, creating a more flexible and scalable recycling infrastructure.
Microwave Tech Breaks Down PET Bottles
At the heart of GR3N’s process is its patented Microwave Assisted Depolymerization (MADE) technology, which uses alkaline hydrolysis to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its chemical components. Unlike conventional methods, MADE can handle higher impurity levels, making it particularly suitable for processing post-consumer plastic waste.
Hardware-Agnostic Approach Reduces Risks
The partnership’s open automation system allows GR3N to freely connect devices across architecture layers, significantly improving operational flexibility. “This hardware-independent approach helps us mitigate risks and quickly adapt our systems for efficiency gains,” a GR3N spokesperson noted, highlighting how the technology avoids supply chain bottlenecks tied to specific hardware.
Bridging IT and OT for Smarter Recycling
Schneider Electric emphasizes that the demonstration plant represents a new generation of recycling facilities where operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) layers converge. This integration enables advanced data analytics and operations management capabilities crucial for scaling up chemical recycling processes.
Paving Way for Large-Scale Implementation
The collaboration marks a significant step toward making advanced plastic recycling commercially viable. By combining GR3N’s depolymerization technology with Schneider’s automation expertise, the partners aim to create a model for efficient, large-scale conversion of plastic waste into high-quality PET pellets for packaging and textiles.
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