Mixed Plastic Waste Conversion to Value-Added Products: Sustainability Assessment and a Case Study in Idaho

Abstract

Abstract Value-added products from petroleum-based wastes (e.g., mixed plastics) have shown great potential to address sustainability challenges, such as global waste management and environmental pollution from petroleum-based products. However, recycling mixed plastic wastes (MPW) has been debated for producing renewable materials and value-added products, such as C10-C50 liquid hydrocarbon compounds. This study investigates the economic feasibility and sustainability benefits of producing MPW pyrolysis oil (p-oil), using a transportable refinery unit. The presented approach was evaluated by conducting a case study in southeast Idaho, USA. A multi-criteria decision-making model consisting of techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment is utilized to evaluate the proposed pathway. The techno-economic analysis estimates the total cost of MPW to value added products supply chains. The life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the negative environmental impacts of MPW-to-products life cycle. LCA assesses the global warming potential for a 100-year time horizon. The p-oil production cost per metric ton is $228, while the total emission is 2,262 kg CO2 per 100 metric tons of MPW. The results indicate that on-site operation can reduce MPW management and carbon footprint. Based on the results, MPW conversion to liquid hydrocarbon products using the mobile pyrolysis conversion process can address the supply chain sustainability challenges and lead to sustainable production.