A process for the manufacture of thermoplastic polymer particles, including combining a first solution including a thermoplastic polymer and an organic solvent with a second solution including an aqueous solvent and a surfactant to provide an emulsion. The emulsion is transferred into a receiving water to remove the organic solvent and form an aqueous dispersion including a plurality of thermoplastic polymer particles dispersed in the aqueous solvent. The thermoplastic polymer particles having a D50 of 20 to 100 μm are recovered in a yield of greater than 85%. Thermoplastic polymer particles prepared according to the method are also disclosed.