Fostering industrial collaboration for polyester recycling in a circular economy

To foster the industrial partnerships required for a circular polyester economy, this study identifies and prioritizes strategic alignments that maximize the value and flow of recycled material. We apply an enhanced Input-Output Material Flow Analysis (IO-MFA) model in Taiwan, linking economic transactions with physical material flows to uncover key pathways for collaboration. The analysis provides critical insights for matchmaking: First, recycled polyester is currently concentrated in low value-added industries, highlighting the need to redirect materials toward higher-value applications. Second, indirect industries, often overlooked in circular economy planning, present significant untapped potential to embed recycled materials through existing supply chains. By identifying these specific pathways, the IO-MFA framework provides targeted recommendations for aligning sectors at each stage of material flow, offering a scalable, data-driven approach to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of recycled polyester markets.