UK to Build Chemical Plant Capable of Converting All Types of Plastics

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mura Technology has started construction on a chemical plant in the UK for converting all types of plastic waste into oil and gas, which could be used in manufacturing new plastic products. The plant, with a processing capacity of 80,000 tonnes of plastic waste per year, is expected to become operational by 2022.

The company uses patented Hydrothermal Plastic Recycling Solution (HydroPRS), which breaks down plastic by using water at elevated pressure and temperature. The supercritical steam cuts longer-chain hydrocarbon bonds in the plastics to produce the chemicals and oils. The process is said to reduce carbon emissions by almost 50%. It recycles waste plastics that traditional mechanical recycling cannot process such as flexible films and multi-layer plastic products.

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The project has already received government support of £4.42 million via the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging programme.

Commenting on the project, Steve Mahon, CEO, Mura Technology said that the global-first approach by it would help to meet the global plastic challenge head on. The company is currently working in partnership with its global partners to deploy the technology wherever needed, in order to create a sustainable future and eliminate plastic pollution.