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Chemical recycling company has released a new life cycle assessment (LCA) for its proprietary pyrolysis technology, called TAC. The LCA was completed by and commissioned by Plastic Energy.

According to the company, the research found that TAC recycling saves up to 78% in CO₂ equivalent emissions when compared to incineration with energy recovery. Incineration with energy recovery is currently the widely used disposal method for hard-to-recycle plastics in Europe. In a 100% renewable energy scenario, this number would increase to 89%. Modeling was based on design data derived from Plastic Energy’s operational plants in Spain and a pilot plant in Loughborough, United Kingdom, with adjustments for differences in capacity and improved operational parameters.

Plastic Energy recycling facility in Seville, Spain. Source: Plastic Energy.

The findings build on the company’s first life cycle assessment released in 2020. The TAC recycling process uses a mix of postconsumer films and flexible plastics which are not typically mechanically recycled.  The process yields TACOIL, syngas and char. TACOIL can replace fossil-derived oils in the production of new plastics, syngas is recovered for internal energy use in the system, and the company is seeking options to valorize and commercialize the char output.

“Sharing this second LCA is an important milestone for both Plastic Energy and the chemical recycling industry. Being able to properly quantify the environmental impact of our technology underscores the benefit it provides to emissions, circularity and waste reduction of hard-to-recycle plastics.” says Adela Putinela, head of policy and sustainability at Plastic Energy. “This study demonstrates the possibility of our TAC process as a well-established chemical recycling technology producing a valuable alternative feedstock for the chemical industry, as well as serving as a novel waste management pathway.”