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Chemical recycling for mixed plastic waste

Munich-based Tubis has developed a pyrolysis process for mixed plastics that are difficult to recycle.
 

According to the company, the process, based on "Plastic to Oil," is designed to recycle mixed plastic waste from unsorted household waste that before has been used as refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and turn it back into high-quality petrochemical products. The plastic waste will reportedly be separated into low-sulfur oil, coke and gas in a three-stage process. The oil recovered is said to serve as a feedstock for industrial applications such as plastics, lubricants, rubber or fertilizers. The gas is used to heat the plant, so the ongoing pyrolysis operation no longer needs external gas, Tubis said. The pyrolysis process took place in a closed process, so there are no exhaust gases or pollution from dust, it says. Up to 24,000 annual tons of plastic waste are expected to be recycled per reactor. According to Tubis, 4,800 MWh of thermal energy and 800 MWh of electricity are required annually to operate the plant.

 

Sources:

  • plastverarbeiter.de (Jan. 23, 2023)
  • Photo: © Tubis

 

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