Techno-economic Feasibility Assessment on the Viability of Using Waste PET (Trays and Coloured Bottles) to Produce Metal-Organic Framework (MOFs)

Abstract

This work reviewed the business model of waste PET-to-MOFs from technical feasibility, economic appraisal, commercial viability, and risk assessment. A process model was developed to cover the mass balance, which considered material flows, chemical build-up, and energy requirements. The balance was based on a case of 1 kg/day, and the scalability was proved at a later stage. A financial model was then developed, and the analysis of economic appraisal and commercial viability showed that investing in MOFs will generate roughly a 5% internal rate of return (IRR) on a production capacity of 10 kg daily. Given the fact that these results are positive at a small scale, it is therefore recommended that this investment should proceed. The environmental and opportunity cost that is avoided has not been considered in the financial analysis. This can further strengthen the revenue side of this production. While a return of 5% is not the most attractive, the PET waste that would be redirected to this production contributes to the South African waste management strategy and climate change objectives. In addition, since the South African government bond of ten years yields a return of 8.52% return, this initiative is competitive with a 5% IRR.