An additive for use in a wash solution of a PET recycling process is described. The PET recycling process includes the steps of sorting the scrap PET to remove other materials, granulating or shredding the scrap PET to produce PET flakes, and washing the PET to remove contaminants. The Wash step comprises the steps of contacting the PET flakes with a wash solution comprising: (a) an alkali hydroxide and (b) an additive comprising: (i) at least one non-ionic surfactant (ii) at least one cationic surfactant (iii) a hydrotrope (iv) water, and (V) optionally, a solvent.
