A new cleantech startup called bobine has formed a partnership with Michelin and will join the Michelin Center for Sustainable Materials at Parc Cataroux in Clermont-Ferrand, France beginning in May 2024. The companies share a goal of commercialising bobine’s innovative technology that enables recycling of currently non-recyclable plastic waste into new plastics.
The development of circular solutions for plastics has become crucial as regulations tighten around reducing plastic waste and increasing the use of recycled materials. The EU is mandating 50% recycled plastic in packaging by 2040 and requiring separation of plastic waste by companies. France aims to end single-use plastic packaging by 2040 as well.
Bobine’s chemical recycling technology allows the production of food-grade recycled plastics from non-recyclable plastic waste streams. This presents an opportunity to help meet the sustainability targets being set by governments.
For Michelin, partnering with bobine aligns with the mission of its Center for Sustainable Materials, which supports the industrialisation of circular technologies. The centre provides facilities, personnel, and expertise to guide startups like bobine through scaling up complex chemical processes.
“We are delighted to collaborate with bobine to develop this groundbreaking technology for the chemical recycling of plastics,” said Pierre Robert, Director of the Center for Sustainable Materials. “At Michelin, we are convinced that technological progress will contribute to addressing environmental challenges.”
The partnership gives bobine access to Michelin’s resources and knowledge to accelerate the development and commercialisation of its recycling process. Bobine is scheduled to begin work at Michelin’s facilities in the summer of 2024, aiming for initial results by autumn.
“The partnership provides us a unique opportunity to accelerate development and market entry of our chemical plastic recycling technology,” said Vincent Simonneau, CEO of bobine. “This aligns with rapidly scaling up the technology and reaffirms our industrial approach and commitment to open innovation.”
Michelin emphasises moving quickly with startups it supports. “Every week counts; speed is paramount,” Robert stated.
The collaboration allows the startup to leverage Michelin’s expertise in chemical processes and sustainable materials as it works to get its recycling technology into commercial use and contribute a circular solution for plastic waste.