25.07.2023

DePoly launches industrial-scale facility for fossil-free PET recycling

PET bottles and textile fabrics; Copyright: envato
Copyright: envato

27.06.2025

DePoly, a Swiss cleantech scale-up, will open a demonstration plant in Monthey in summer 2025. The facility will recycle PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials without fossil inputs – a major step toward a circular plastics economy.

Each year, millions of tonnes of PET and polyester waste are either incinerated or dumped in landfills. DePoly aims to change that. This summer, the company will commission its 500-tonne-per-year demonstration plant in Monthey, Switzerland – a crucial milestone in scaling its proprietary chemical recycling technology.

The plant showcases a process that transforms PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality monomers without relying on fossil resources. This enables a truly circular material flow – where old plastic bottles or textiles are not waste but raw materials for new products.

Proven quality across industries

DePoly’s recycled monomers meet the highest standards of purity and performance. The company has validated its technology in real-world applications through partnerships with global brands across fashion (Odlo), cosmetics, and consumer goods (e.g., PTI). From new packaging to high-performance fibers, the material proves reliable and scalable.

By delivering oil-equivalent monomers, DePoly offers a sustainable alternative to virgin plastics – with the same properties but a significantly lower environmental footprint.

DePoly’s circular plastics mission – Key Facts

  • Recognised Innovation
    Awarded “Technology Pioneer” by the World Economic Forum & Top 100 Swiss Startup
  • Commercial Scale Ahead
    Full-scale plant planned for 2027 to expand global impact
  • Funding Secured
    Over $30 million raised – incl. $23 million in latest seed round
  • Cross-Industry Validation
    Partnerships with leading brands in fashion, cosmetics & packaging
  • Fossil-Free Recycling
    Proprietary technology delivers virgin-quality monomers without fossil fuels
  • New Showcase Plant
    500-tonne facility opens summer 2025 in Monthey, Switzerland

Scaling for impact

“The upcoming showcase plant validates our roadmap to creating a truly circular plastics market. Following our pilot and showcase plant, our next goal is to scale our operations to industrial size with a first of a kind commercial plant based on our technology,” says Samantha Anderson, Co-founder & CEO.

 DePoly is already planning a commercial plant for 2027, aiming to process much larger volumes of waste and expand its global impact. To support this, the company has secured an additional $23 million in seed funding, with MassMutual Ventures joining the latest closing round.

Strong backing, experienced leadership

With more than $30 million raised across two rounds and grants, DePoly is now among Europe’s leading recycling tech players.

David Hanf, who joined as CFO in 2024, brings extensive experience from scale-ups like Smava and Thermondo. “We are convinced our technology is one of the fastest to scale and will allow us to compete with virgin pricing at scale, a key factor for success,” Hanf explains.

Toward a global circular plastics economy

Recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum and winner of the 2024 Top 100 Swiss Startup Award, DePoly is leading the way in fossil-free, circular plastics. By converting discarded plastics into high-quality raw materials, the company is reducing fossil dependency, minimizing waste, and reshaping the recycling industry.

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Exhibitors & products around recycling


DePoly

At a glance

Swiss cleantech company DePoly is opening a 500-tonne-per-year demonstration plant in Monthey in summer 2025. The facility showcases DePoly’s fossil-free chemical recycling technology, converting PET and polyester waste into virgin-quality raw materials. Backed by $30M in funding and industry partnerships, DePoly is preparing for global scale-up and aims to lead the shift toward a circular plastics economy.