Feasibility of a PET recycling unit in Ilhéus, Brazil

The recycling and transformation of PET, a potentially polluting waste, brings benefits ranging from pollution reduction to revenue generation and lower public spending. The use of this waste as raw material for the production of roof tiles has proven to be a less environmentally harmful alternative when compared to conventional clay tiles. However, investment in recycling plants depends on their economic viability. Considering this issue, the economic viability of implementing a PET recycling unit in the municipality of Ilhéus-Bahia was evaluated, with an initial production capacity of 20 tons of PET per month to be sold. The following indicators were used: Return on Investment (ROI), Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and payback period (PAYBACK). The results indicated that the project is feasible and also presents the three pillars of sustainable development (social, economic, and environmental benefits), characteristics that a feasibility project must present.