Research team of the basic feedstock conversion project for waste organic materials . (Image courtesy of the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM))
DAEJEON, Sept. 4 (Korea Bizwire) – In a potential breakthrough for plastic recycling, South Korean scientists have developed a plasma-based process that can convert mixed plastic waste directly into high-value chemical feedstocks without the need for sorting or label removal.
The Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) announced Wednesday that its consortium — which includes the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, the Korea Institute of Science and Technology, and several universities — has succeeded in decomposing mixed plastic waste at ultra-high temperatures using a hydrogen-fueled plasma torch.
Plasma, sometimes called the “fourth state of matter,” allows reactions to occur at far higher speeds than conventional thermal cracking. The research team said its process can break down plastics at 1,000 to 2,000 degrees Celsius in just 0.01 seconds, converting more than 70 percent of the material into ethylene and benzene, key building blocks for new plastics.
By contrast, traditional pyrolysis methods operating at 450 to 600 degrees produce a mix of more than 100 chemicals, only 20 to 30 percent of which are usable. The new process also enables efficient conversion of byproducts such as wax, which previously posed challenges, with a selectivity rate above 80 percent.
Plasma Conversion System for Waste Plastics. (Image courtesy of Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM))
Currently, less than 1 percent of plastic waste in South Korea is chemically recycled. The research group aims to lift that figure above 10 percent by scaling up the plasma method. A pilot study has already demonstrated that the cost of producing ethylene through the process is comparable to conventional sources. Long-term demonstration at a domestic site is scheduled to begin next year.
“This is the world’s first economically viable process to convert mixed plastic waste into raw materials,” said Song Young-hoon, head of the project. “It offers significant potential to cut carbon emissions by recycling instead of incinerating plastics, and with renewable energy, the system could operate virtually without CO₂ emissions.”
The advance could position South Korea as a leader in next-generation recycling technologies as countries struggle to manage mounting plastic waste and meet climate targets.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
