Sustainable Use of Plastic Waste in the Production of Fuels and Lubricants

Global plastic waste generation has doubled over the past 20 years with two-thirds of the waste having been produced over the past 5 years. Microplastics, smaller than 5 millimeters (0.2 inch), is a growing concern in our air and water. Plastics now account for 3.4% of total global greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling has been ongoing for some time but only 9% of all plastics used globally are recycled. This podcast explores the potential for converting waste plastic into fuels and lubricants in a process known as upcycling. Representatives from two different groups working on this challenge provide an update on what they are doing to upcycle waste plastic and share insights on how soon commercial applications will be available to help reduce plastic waste and enable plastics to contribute sustainably to our growing global circular economy. 

Contributors: Dr. Neil Canter, STLE Advisor, Technical Programs and Services, Dr. Dionisios (Dion) G. Vlachos, Unidel Dan Rich Chair in Energy Professor of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, Dr. Massimiliano (Max) Delferro, Chemist, Group Leader, Dr. Ryan Hackler, Postdoctoral Researcher, Dr. Robert Kennedy, Postdoctoral Researcher, Chemical Sciences & Engineering Division, Argonne National Laboratory