Paving the way for molecular recycling

CEPOVETT encourages innovative initiatives in its territory in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes by collaborating with RECYC’ELIT, a French deeptech company based in Lyon that has specialized in innovative molecular recycling of complex polyester-based textiles since 2019. Its patented selective methanolysis process, which operates under mild temperature and pressure conditions, depolymerizes polyester into R-PET (recycled granules) while separating co-materials such as elastane, cotton, or polyamide for circular reuse. The company collaborates with eco-organizations such as Refashion and Ecomaison, as well as several brands from different sectors, including Decathlon and now CEPOVETT.

It has been involved in numerous experimental pilot projects since 2025, using a pre-industrial demonstrator capable of processing between 10 and 30 tons of textile waste per year. Although still in its infancy, the depolymerization process paves the way for molecular recycling, a method that complements mechanical recycling and will enable us to move away from recycling plastic bottles for recycled PET in the future. This technology is part of a shift to industrial scale, driven by a local company and an ecosystem of national and international partners.