Chennai based start-up claims Plastic can be turned into diesel substitute

Guwahati: This is revolutionary and world-changing as the one component which has so long been creating a threat to the existence of mankind on the earth, plastic, can also be changed into something very useful and pricey and this has been made possible by a start-up based in Chennai. The organization, Paterson Energy, is looking for a revolutionary project of 5 tonne-per-day plastic waste-to-fuel project in Pallikaranai and is also looking forward to receiving corporate social responsibility funds for the same.

As stated by the company sources, it uses a particular technology called plastic pyrolysis. Under this project, it builds plants at locations where plastic waste can be processed in order to produce liquid fuel. Notably, such kinds of liquid fuels are cheaper than diesel. This liquid fuel will work as a perfect alternative to fuel generators, industrial boilers, kilns, furnaces, diesel-powered engines, and other such equipment. Moreover, the company claims that this process of plastic waste processed and turned into liquid fuel will be economic as well, because there will be over 20% savings on fuel bills.

The oil generated in this process of plastic waste processing is sold at Rs 40 per litre which is much cheaper a rate than the usually priced fuel. The company, by using the model, can generate 500 litres of oil for each tonne of plastic waste and this is one incredible news that the earth can have at this moment. However, the yield will also depend on the feedstock. The more homogeneous the material is, the better the yield output would be.

The Director of Paterson Energy, Vidya Amarnath, stated, “We can also source single-use plastic, which is not normally picked up by ragpickers, for conversion into fuel. But the challenge is we need huge volumes.”

She further added, “If the State government can bring in regulations on collection of such plastic waste through various collection centres, it would be of great help for us to source.”

The director also informed that the company is working with the Tamil Nadu government for setting up plastic waste-to-fuel plants at feasible locations.

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