RECYCLING PROCESS OF POLYESTERS FROM MIXED PLASTIC WASTE

The present invention relates to a process for depolymerizing plastic waste containing semi-aromatic polyesters, and in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), through methanolysis, for the production of dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). In particular, the invention relates to a process for depolymerizing plastic waste containing terephthalic polyesters, and in particular polyethylene terephthalate (PET), comprising the following steps: a) subjecting a plastic material containing terephthalic polyesters, in particular PET, to a methanolysis process in the presence of methanol and a catalyst based on a quaternary ammonium ionic compound and an iron(III), manganese(II), or cobalt(II) halide; b) separating the solid residue of step a) containing dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) from the liquid phase containing methanol, a glycol and the catalyst in solution; c) separating the DMT in substantially pure form from the solid residue of step b); d) optionally, subjecting the liquid phase of step b) to fractional distillation to recover the methanol, the glycol and the catalyst.