Thermochemical recycling of waste
Thermochemical recycling is a process of thermochemical conversion. This process is based on the thermal decomposition of synthetic organic substances (especially plastics) by the action of heat without the access of oxidizing substances. That means thermochemical recycling is proceeding in an anaerobic environment. It is in no way incineration.
During thermochemical waste recycling three main products are newly created:
• recycled liquid - 63 to 90 wt.%
• process gas - 3 to 34 wt.%
• solid inert residue - 3 to 8 wt.%
The all newly acquired products can be used as input raw material for further processing.
Thermochemical recycling of solid plastic waste is a crucial opportunity to reduce pollution of the seas and soil and enables the integration of the principle of circular economy into today's society. In addition to conscious behaviour and modern product design ("design for recycle"), the key challenge is to identify leading recycling technologies that minimize the potential for global warming in an industrially relevant context.
Thermochemical recycling technologies can be at the forefront thanks to their reliability, safety, environmental friendliness and meaningful operating economy. They can be essential elements in realizing the potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100 million tonnes of CO2.
