The article begins by recognizing the 50th anniversary of World Environment Day on June 5. To mark this occasion, a campaign titled #BeatPlasticPollution was launched to emphasize the urgency for worldwide solutions to tackle the omnipresent issue of plastic pollution. To contribute to this cause, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has been promoting various technologies to mitigate the global problem of plastic pollution. One such endeavor is the development of a pilot-scale mobile plant that converts plastic waste into fuel.
Understanding Plastic: Origin and Types
The term ‘plastic’ has its roots in the Greek word ‘plastikos,’ which means ‘capable of being shaped or moulded.’ It encompasses a broad array of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials derived from polymers, distinguished by their plasticity and capacity to undergo deformation. Modern plastics primarily come from fossil fuel-based chemicals like natural gas or petroleum. Still, they can also be produced using renewable materials like corn or cotton derivatives.
Approximately 70% of the world’s plastic production is made up of six primary polymer types known collectively as commodity plastics. These include Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Low-density polyethylene (LDPE), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS), and Other Plastics. Each type has different properties, identifiable by their resin identification code (RIC), represented by symbols on plastic products.
Understanding Resin Identification Code (RIC)
RIC was introduced in 1988 by the Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) to streamline the sorting and recycling of plastics. Each RIC corresponds to a specific type of resin used in a plastic product, and proper recycling based on the RIC helps maintain the product’s value. After two decades, the administration of RIC was taken over by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), an international organization. It’s important to note that RIC applies strictly to plastic, not to glass, paper, or other recyclable materials.
The Danger of Microplastics
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than five millimeters in diameter. While primary microplastics are minute particles designed for commercial use, such as in cosmetics or textiles, secondary microplastics result from the breakdown of larger plastic items. These persist in the environment, contaminating food chains, water sources, air, and posing health risks due to the toxic chemicals they contain.
Decomposition Rate and Impact of Plastics
Plastics decompose slowly, causing them to accumulate in natural ecosystems over time. Instead of breaking down into harmless substances, they fragment into smaller particles, contributing to the rise of microplastics. Humans consume an estimated minimum of 50,000 microplastic particles annually due to contamination of the food chain, potable water, and air. Microplastics contain toxic chemicals, with the most significant health risk associated with Bisphenol A (BPA), which hardens plastic and contaminates food and drinks.
Conversion of Plastic into Fuel: The ICT- Poly Urja Process
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has developed a vehicle-mounted mobile plant. This plant can convert various types of plastic waste into carbon-densified Hydrocarbon Oil (HC-Oil) using a low-stringent process named ICT-Poly Urja, developed by the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai. The method requires various types of collected and sorted plastic waste, where Cu@TiO2 catalyst is added to help break down the plastic into smaller molecules. Upon heating, this mix undergoes Catalytic Thermo Liquefaction (CTL), converting the plastic waste into Hydrocarbon Oil — a form of fuel.
India’s Approach to Plastic Waste Concerns
India has launched various initiatives in an attempt to alleviate concerns regarding plastic waste, including a National Dashboard on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management, Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2022, India Plastics Pact, and Project REPLAN. All these initiatives aim towards managing and reducing the impact of plastic waste in the environment. It is clear that tackling the problem of plastic pollution requires concerted global effort and innovative solutions.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024