Plastic Pyrolysis (2025 Program)

This report discusses an alternative to mechanical recycling that allows for the processing of mixed plastics. Plastic pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that decomposes mixed plastic waste to produce pyrolysis oil, a potential feedstock for aromatics extraction, fluid catalytic cracking, and steam cracking to produce fuels and chemicals. Plastic pyrolysis technologies and the impact of different types of plastics feedstocks on process considerations and performance are covered in this report. Process economics for producing plastic pyrolysis oil and upgrading and utilization in a steam cracker are provided as well as a carbon intensity analysis.