Development of a plastic waste derived fuel for industrial burner application
Lead Participant:
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES LTD
Abstract
The UK generated 3.7 Mt of plastic waste in 2014. Of this, only 1.1 Mt was recycled and 2.6 Mt was disposed of
to landfill or Energy from Waste. Even though end-of-life Residual Plastic Waste [RPW] has a high calorific
value, it is currently an environmental and financial liability. Recycling Technologies Ltd. [RT] has developed a
process that recycles RPW into a commercially valuable hydrocarbon called Plaxx™. Plaxx™ is a substitute for
crude oil derived Heavy Fuel Oil [HFO] that is used in industrial burners. It is Ultra Low Sulphur [S<0.02%] fuel
and has the potential to displace a substantial amount of HFO around the world. Conversion of just 30% of the
UK's plastic waste to Plaxx™ will meet 100% of the UK's HFO demand. However, our ability to process Plaxx™
requires a better understanding of how to control its chemistry and improve its physical properties. The aim of
this project is to identify gaps in Plaxx™ quality and trial innovative technologies to upgrade Plaxx™, such that it
will meet the specifications of an industrial burner fuel. If successful, this project will address the energy
trilemma and the plastic waste issues globally.
to landfill or Energy from Waste. Even though end-of-life Residual Plastic Waste [RPW] has a high calorific
value, it is currently an environmental and financial liability. Recycling Technologies Ltd. [RT] has developed a
process that recycles RPW into a commercially valuable hydrocarbon called Plaxx™. Plaxx™ is a substitute for
crude oil derived Heavy Fuel Oil [HFO] that is used in industrial burners. It is Ultra Low Sulphur [S<0.02%] fuel
and has the potential to displace a substantial amount of HFO around the world. Conversion of just 30% of the
UK's plastic waste to Plaxx™ will meet 100% of the UK's HFO demand. However, our ability to process Plaxx™
requires a better understanding of how to control its chemistry and improve its physical properties. The aim of
this project is to identify gaps in Plaxx™ quality and trial innovative technologies to upgrade Plaxx™, such that it
will meet the specifications of an industrial burner fuel. If successful, this project will address the energy
trilemma and the plastic waste issues globally.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
---|---|---|
RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES LTD | £857,112 | £ 600,043 |
  | ||
Participant |
||
HENTY OIL LIMITED | £28,800 | |
CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY | £325,590 | £ 325,590 |
DUNPHY COMBUSTION LIMITED | £82,519 | £ 49,511 |
WALKER SUBSEA ENGINEERING LTD |
People |
ORCID iD |
Alice-Catherine Collins (Project Manager) |