Process for the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

A process for depolymerization of polyester comprised in a feedstock to form a terephthalate;

• the process comprising:
• (i) mixing the feedstock comprising the polyester with a first portion of methanol to form a first mixture;
• (ii) subsequent to (i), adding a methoxide to the first mixture;
• (iii) admixing;
• and
• (iv) subsequent to (iii), adding a second portion of methanol to the first mixture to form a second mixture, such that the methoxide concentration in the second mixture is maintained between about 0.2 wt % and about 5 wt %;
• thereby forming the terephthalate.