What Types of Plastic Are Suitable for Pyrolysis?
As the world grapples with plastic pollution, pyrolysis has emerged as a powerful solution to convert waste plastic into valuable resources such as fuel oil and carbon black. But not all plastics are created equal—some are ideal for pyrolysis, while others are not. In this article, we’ll explore which types of plastic are suitable for pyrolysis and why this matters for your recycling operations or investment.
Why Plastic Selection Matters in Pyrolysis
The efficiency, oil yield, and economic viability of a plastic pyrolysis plant depend largely on the type of plastic being processed. Some plastics break down easily under high temperatures in an oxygen-free environment, while others release harmful substances or offer low conversion rates.
✅ Plastics Suitable for Pyrolysis
| Plastic Type | Name | Common Products | Pyrolysis Suitability | Oil Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (PE) | HDPE (High-Density) / LDPE (Low-Density) | Bottles, containers, plastic bags | Excellent | 75–85% |
| Polypropylene (PP) | PP | Food packaging, bottle caps, straws | Excellent | 70–80% |
| Polystyrene (PS) | PS | Disposable cutlery, foam packaging | Good | 60–70% |
| Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) | Acrylic | Display panels, light diffusers | Moderate | 60–65% |
❌ Plastics Unsuitable or Less Ideal for Pyrolysis
| Plastic Type | Name | Common Products | Reason for Exclusion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | PVC | Pipes, flooring, synthetic leather | Releases toxic chlorine gas |
| Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) | PET | Water bottles, food containers | Low oil yield, forms solid residues |
| Multi-layer Laminates | Composite Films | Food pouches, cartons | Difficult to separate, unstable reaction |
Tips for Feedstock Preparation
Sorting: Separate suitable plastics (PE, PP, PS) from PET, PVC, and multilayer packaging before feeding into the reactor.
Cleaning: Remove food residue, metals, and moisture to prevent clogging or emission issues.
Shredding: Most pyrolysis systems require plastics to be shredded to 30–50mm pieces for uniform heating and safety.
What Happens to Pyrolysis Oil?
Once processed, plastics like PE and PP can yield high-quality pyrolysis oil. This oil can be:
Used directly as industrial fuel for boilers or furnaces
Further refined into diesel or gasoline substitutes
Recycled into new plastics (with additional upgrading)
Focusing on the right types of plastic—primarily PE, PP, and PS—can significantly improve the efficiency, profitability, and environmental performance of your pyrolysis plant. Avoid problematic plastics like PVC and PET unless equipped with special handling systems.
If you have needs or questions on plastic pyrolysis, feel free to contact us, we will give you the perfect solution.
