Pyrolysis, the process of turning plastics into diesels and oils, is being used to keep non-recycled plastics from going straight to a landfill. A new analysis by the American Chemistry Council stated that a large use of this technique could generate billions of dollars and thousands of jobs all while saving the environment. The process used is fairly simple. They take mixed plastic polymers without much sorting, convert them to a liquid hydrocarbon in an oxygen free environment, and then refine the hydrocarbon into diesel and fuel. The two major industry leaders are located in Ohio and London. They are rapidly expanding and developing new technologies. The article states that "when operating at full capacity each unit handles 60 tons of plastic per day, which equates to 1.4 million liters per year of transportation fuel." The technology is up and running it is just going to take some time to get it to the market, but it is good to see this industry taking an initiative towards a cleaner environment. For more info, click here for one of the company's website.
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