Harnessing Pyrolysis for Circular Economy: Bio-Oil Production from Post-Consumer Plastic Waste

Abstract

Post-consumer plastic waste creates major environmental and economic challenges globally due to poor disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration, leading to pollution and resource depletion. A circular economy framework presents a sustainable approach to managing plastic waste by promoting reuse, recycling, and resource recovery. Pyrolysis, a heat-induced decomposition process conducted in an oxygen-limited environment, emerges as a promising solution for transforming non-recyclable plastics into valuable materials like bio-oil, syngas, and char. This technology can process mixed and contaminated plastic waste, generating bio-oil suitable for energy production or as a chemical feedstock, thus reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, pyrolysis aligns with circular economy principles by reclaiming resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable industrial methods. Despite its potential, challenges such as high energy demands and fluctuations in feedstock continue to exist, requiring further technological advancements. Case studies from Europe and Japan demonstrate successful applications of pyrolysis, showcasing its integration into global waste management frameworks. Therefore, pyrolysis serves as a crucial method for addressing plastic pollution and fostering a circular economy model.