First ultra-pure solvents made from plastic waste

Clariter, a global cleantech company, and TotalEnergies Fluids, a division of TotalEnergies, have premiered the world’s first sustainable ultra-pure solvent made from plastic waste.

Ultra-pure solvents are used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other highly demanding markets that require safe, colorless, odorless, and tasteless products that meet the highest pharmacopoeia-standard purity criteria. Producing these solvents from plastic waste not only significantly reduces their environmental footprint, but also contributes towards addressing the challenge of end-of-life plastics.

This technological and industrial success is the fruit of an 18-month collaboration between Clariter and TotalEnergies Fluids on joint research and development. Clariter leverages its proprietary innovative upcycling technology to transform plastic waste into sustainable, high-quality solvents, waxes, and oils. TotalEnergies Fluids then further converts the upcycled materials using its Hydro-De-Aromatization (HDA) technology into very high purity solvents that meet the quality levels required for the most stringent applications.

This groundbreaking innovation demonstrates the commitment of the two partners to develop high-quality low carbon footprint products and to contribute to the development of the circular economy.

“Developing products of such high quality from plastic waste is a triumph for our joint R&D work", said Dr. Daria Frączak, Clariter’s Scientific Director. “Clariter’s know-how and experience in plastic upcycling, together with TotalEnergies Fluids’ deep knowledge of stringent industry requirements, came together to develop a process to produce sustainable solvents that meet the highest purity standards. We are thrilled to have achieved this significant milestone in our journey towards bringing to industry sustainable, high-quality products made from plastic waste.”

“This new technology opens a broad field of solutions to help our industrial customers decarbonize their industry, and fully integrates within our target of commercializing 30% low carbon solvents by 2030”, said Didier Ribault, TotalEnergies Fluids Business Development Director. “This partnership marks yet another step forward in TotalEnergies Fluids’ development of a comprehensive range of circular products.”