Turning plastic into fuel

In many cases, plastic film has been excluded from public waste collection schemes around the world. 

Economic factors and fundamental difficulties with handling and sorting at recycling facilities has resulted in plastic film recycling still being in the early stages of development, especially in comparison to recycling processes for dense rigid plastics such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) used widely in the drinks industry.

Our analysis suggests that it is now economically viable to convert low grade plastics into fuel

Axion Consulting engineer Sam Haig

As a result, policy around the world has looked at alternative solutions to reduce the impact of plastic films, especially plastic bags, on the environment.

Some policies have included the banning of single-use plastic bags and imposing charges on consumers.

However Sam Haig, IChemE member and senior engineer at Axion Consulting, said machinery could now detect around 95% of films from kerbside waste collections.

“The process is likely to be more economical and efficient than current machine-based and hand-picking operations. Importantly, the recycled films can be used for products including refuse sacks and signage for retailers,” Haig said.

“Our analysis also suggests that it is now economically viable to convert low grade plastics into fuel,” said Haig. “We studied five chemical engineering processes and concluded that three provided significant financial returns over a ten year period.”