The world is facing a burning issue with plastic waste, with over 50% of plastic waste ending up in landfills and only 9% being recycled. To address this problem, scientists are exploring ways to convert plastic into more benign forms, such as diesel-like fuel and gas. One method being considered is pyrolysis, which involves heating plastic waste to high temperatures to break down the polymers into simpler materials.
However, there are limitations to this process. Plastic waste is often a mixed bag, making it difficult to recycle economically. Additionally, the machines used to turn plastic waste into oils or gas require a specific type of plastic waste.
To overcome these challenges, researchers are proposing a new approach called co-pyrolysis, which involves combining plastic waste with biomass (organic matter) to produce a more consistent and yields product. Biomass helps to balance the reaction and improves the quality of the resulting bio-oil, making it a more viable substitute for fossil fuels.
Co-pyrolysis has several advantages, including reducing the environmental footprint compared to separate pyrolysis of plastics and biomass. It also helps to crack long-chain hydrocarbons in plastics, reducing the formation of undesirable byproducts. However, commercial implementation of this technology is still in its infancy, and further research and development are needed to overcome technical and economic barriers.
The key focus areas include improving reactor designs, enhancing process efficiency, and developing robust supply chains for feedstock collection and preprocessing. If successful, co-pyrolysis could provide a viable solution to the plastic waste problem, enabling the production of valuable fuels and chemicals while reducing the environmental impact.