Page 45 - Plastics News March 2025
P. 45
FEATURE NEWS
methods convert recycled plastics into valuable Dr Ro added, “The addition of water not only
chemicals and fuels. More efficient uses can be enhances carbon efficiency, it improves eco-
found of these recycled plastics compared to nomic and environmental performance, and also
traditional methods. However, more refinements increases the conversion of polyolefins to valu-
are required before industrial rollouts can occur. able fuels like gasoline and diesel. This approach
thus represents a viable alternative to conven-
Professor Ro and his team tried synthesising tional waste management practices and offers
and experimenting with a variety of Ru-based a solution to reduce landfill and ocean pollution
catalysts using different supports during their caused by polyolefins—the largest contributor
research. They found that catalysts with both to plastic waste.”
metal and acid sites showed improved conver-
sion rates when water was added to the reac- The catalytic depolymerisation method could be
tion mixture. game-changing as organisations try to resolve
global plastic pollution levels. Dr Ro and his team
“The addition of water alters the reaction mech- hope that the solution will evolve until mixed
anisms, promoting pathways that enhance cata- plastic waste doesn’t need to be pre-sorted,
lytic activity while suppressing coke formation,” making implementation simpler and recycling
said Dr Ro. “This dual role improves process ef- methods more cost-effective.
ficiency, extends catalyst lifespan, and reduces
operational costs.” “By demonstrating a sustainable and economic
approach to transforming plastic waste into val-
The reaction mechanisms were particularly mon- uable resources, our research could help drive
itored as the researchers tried to understand the policy changes, inspire investment in advanced
effect of Ru content and the distance and bal- recycling infrastructure, and foster internation-
ance between metal and acid sites. Ru/zeolite-Y al collaborations to address the global plastic
catalysts displayed a 96.9% conversion rate for waste crisis. Over time, these advancements
polyolefins, under optimal conditions. promise cleaner environments, reduced pollu-
tion, and a more sustainable future," concluded
Additionally, a techno-economic analysis and life
cycle assessment were conducted of this ap- Dr Ro.
proach. The results provided insights into a real Source – Interplas insights
commercial-scale process of the proposed cata-
lyst.
March 2025 PLASTICS NEWS 45
