The objective of the project is to develop an innovative technology capable of transforming mixed and hard-to-recycle plastic waste into high-value raw materials such as naphtha and industrial solvents. In this way, these wastes can be reintroduced into the production cycle, promoting the circular economy, reducing CO2 emissions, and decreasing dependence on fossil resources.

In this context, the project addresses the chemical and advanced recycling of plastic waste through the conversion of plastic into naphtha. To this end, the treatment of pyrolysis oil generated from plastic waste will be studied, including its purification, followed by hydrotreatment and hydrocracking stages. These processes are aimed at obtaining higher-quality streams suitable for valorisation as feedstocks for the chemical and petrochemical industries.

MCHT contributes its expertise in the design and scale-up of industrial processes to facilitate the implementation of this technology at an industrial level.

Main Areas of Work

• Conocer los residuos y definir los requisitos del proceso: Understanding waste streams and defining process requirements: Existing technologies, applicable regulations, and the characteristics of plastic waste in Spain and India will be studied in order to select the most suitable feedstocks. Developing and optimizing the technology: New catalysts will be designed and tested to improve the plastic conversion process and obtain higher-quality products. Assessing industrial application: The technical and economic feasibility of the process, its potential implementation in industrial plants, and the strategy for bringing the technology to market will be analyzed.
• Desarrollar y optimizar la tecnología: se diseñarán nuevos catalizadores y se realizarán ensayos para mejorar el proceso de conversión de los plásticos y obtener productos de mayor calidad.
• Evaluar su aplicación industrial: se analizará la viabilidad técnica y económica del proceso, su posible implantación en plantas industriales y la estrategia para llevar la tecnología al mercado.

Through this project, the partners aim to demonstrate that the most complex plastic waste streams can be transformed into new resources for industry, contributing to more sustainable waste management and a more circular petrochemical industry.