Mexican Startup Turns Plastic To Fuel
By recycling plastic into fuel, the company aims to reduce waste.
A Mexican startup is tackling the Gulf Coast city of Boca del Río’s plastic waste problem.
With less than 10% of global plastic being recycled, Petgas is pioneering a method that transforms discarded plastics into gasoline, diesel, and other fuels.
The company has developed a machine that uses pyrolysis, a process that breaks down plastic using high heat in an oxygen-free environment, to convert waste into usable energy.
Carlos Parraguirre Díaz, Petgas’ Chief Technology Officer, explains that the machine can process up to 1.5 tons of plastic a week, producing around 356 gallons (1,350 liters) of fuel.
While the system needs propane to start the process, the company says it is self-sustaining once pyrolysis begins, using the gas it generates to keep the process running.
Though the process does release some carbon dioxide, Petgas asserts that its fuel is environmentally friendlier than traditional fuels due to its lower sulfur content.
By recycling plastic into fuel, the company aims to not only reduce waste but also offer a sustainable alternative energy source.
Read the full story at the AP.