GR3N SAGL

Their core work

GR3N is a Swiss cleantech SME developing microwave-based depolymerization technology for recycling PET plastics back into virgin-quality material. Their core innovation breaks down waste polyester using microwave energy, enabling true circular recycling of plastic streams that would otherwise go to landfill or incineration. They operate at the intersection of chemical recycling and industrial process engineering, turning low-value plastic waste into high-value feedstock. Based in Lugano, they have progressed from concept validation through the SME Instrument to participation in large-scale demonstration projects.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

GR3N's early H2020 involvement (2015) centered on broad industrial symbiosis concepts — optimizing waste-to-resource flows across sectors in SYMBIOPTIMA. By 2017-2018, their focus sharpened dramatically toward a specific technology: microwave-based chemical recycling of PET and polyester plastics. This progression from general circular economy participation to a concrete, proprietary depolymerization technology shows a company that identified its niche and doubled down.

GR3N is clearly moving toward commercializing its microwave PET recycling technology, making them a strong candidate for demonstration-stage plastics circularity projects.

How they like to work

GR3N operates as a technology contributor in larger consortia (SYMBIOPTIMA, DEMETO) while also leading its own focused project (cPET Phase 1). With 27 partners across 10 countries from just 3 projects, they are comfortable in large, multinational consortia. Their mix of participant and coordinator roles suggests an SME that brings specific technology to the table rather than managing large networks.

GR3N has built a network of 27 partners across 10 countries through just 3 projects, indicating participation in substantial consortia. Their Swiss base and European-wide partnerships suggest strong connections across the plastics recycling and circular economy value chain.

What sets them apart

GR3N's differentiator is their specific microwave-based approach to PET depolymerization — a distinct chemical recycling pathway that competes with glycolysis and methanolysis methods. As a focused SME rather than a large chemical company, they offer agility and deep specialization in a single high-impact technology. Their progression from SME Instrument to large-scale IA projects demonstrates both investor confidence and readiness for industrial deployment partnerships.

Highlights from their portfolio

• DEMETO
  Largest project (€687K to GR3N) demonstrating modular, scalable microwave depolymerization of PET — their flagship technology validation.
• cPET
  SME Instrument Phase 1 where GR3N coordinated directly, signaling EU confidence in their business concept for upcycling waste plastics to virgin material.