New Venture, Circular Polymers, Turns Carpet Fiber into Polymer

Lincoln, CA, March 5, 2019-A team of recycling industry veterans have formed a new company, Circular Polymers, to supply the chemical recycling industry with consistent, high-quality feedstock made from post-consumer carpet and other plastic destined for landfill. Circular Polymers’ new facility in Lincoln, California will process some 30 million pounds of carpet per year, with plans to expand further.

Circular Polymers has the exclusive rights to a proprietary carpet recycling technology developed by Broadview Group International (BGI). This market-disruptive technology has been quietly optimized by Circular and BGI over the past year. BGI President Joe Bork stated, “Our technology disassembles the carpet then cleans the fibers, thus maximizing yield while providing superior quality. The technology processes all carpet types: Nylon 6, Nylon 66, PET and Polypropylene.” 

“Chemical recycling is the solution to global demand for recycled feedstocks in a circular economy,” notes David Bender, Circular Polymers CEO. Major brand companies working with chemical recyclers need clean, sustainable supplies of feedstock. “We understand that chemical recycling operations require the conversion of waste into a raw material with strictly defined specifications. Circular Polymers is uniquely positioned to supply this growing industry. With more than 25% of all recycled bottles getting downcycled into carpet and fiber, Circular Polymers has created a figure 8 in the circular economy, enabling upcycling of carpet into bottles.” 

Circular Polymers and BGI completed the Lincoln plant expansion in December 2018. 

PureCycle Technologies, an offtake partner of Circular Polymers, is commercializing a patented recycling process that transforms plastic waste feedstock into virgin-like resin.