From landfill to polymers: pyrolysis as a path to plastic circularity Understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with recycling waste plastics in refining and petrochemical processes
Stephany Romanow Global Energy Writers
R ecycling waste plastics into sustainable feedstocks is in the formulative stage. Politics, taxes, and reg- ulations are the drivers to incorporate more waste plastic into new polymers and fuels. Yet, the supply side of recycled plastics lacks sufficient infrastructure, logistics, investment, and reliable off-take agreements. Recycling waste plastic has operational diffi - culties and raises many questions, including: • What barriers hinder the use of recycled plastics in refin - ing and petrochemical processes? • How can refiners and petrochemical companies close the loop on plastic recycling and remain profitable? • What processes and technology roadmaps integrate recycled plastic products as compatible feedstocks and meet circularity initiatives? Technology roadmaps combine innovations and estab- lished processes to achieve plastic circularity cost-effec- tively; however, hurdles must still be overcome.
Hurdles After collection, sorting, and cleaning, the next hurdle is con- verting the waste plastic into circular feedstocks and prod- ucts. In particular, recycled plastic is not a free alternative raw material. Extensive pretreatment and processing are mandatory before integrating recycled plastics into refining and petrochemical operations. Film-application polymers utilise long-chain molecules with very stable carbon bonds. Mechanical recycling alone cannot break down these waste plastics. More importantly, waste plastics are diverse prod- ucts due to additives, dyes, and other compounds to pro- vide strength, colour, and heat resistance. This variability in composition affects recycled product yields and quality. Old solutions create value in trash management Thermal conversion technologies, such as pyrolysis, are proven solutions to convert waste plastics into high-value products (see Figure 1 ). Pyrolysis also offers a viable
Plastic product
End of life plastic waste
Collection Separation
Incineration CO 2 utilisation (CCU)
Mechanical recycling Physical process
Di erent waste qualities
Material recycling
Gasi cation Thermochemical process
C
Pyrolysis & others Thermochemical process
Dissolution Physical process
Depolymerisation
Thermal depolymerisation Thermochemical process
Solvolysis & solid-state hydrolysis Chemical process
Enzymolysis Biochemical process
Monomers
Figure 1 Advanced recycling involves many technology options to convert waste plastics into circular products. Source: Nova-institute.eu
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