For several types of plastics, a direct recycling solution does not exist. But they can be broken down - ‘depolymerised’ – to recapture their ingredients.
This process can, however, be pricey.
Hence, the investment by Orthios and its partners in innovatory Plastics to Oil (P-2-0) technology - a safe, cost effective and clean method of decomposing polymers to obtain a re-useable mix of oils, chemicals, gas and heat.
The advantages of the Orthios system are multiple but include:
- Reducing the amount of plastic sent to landfill or finding its way to our oceans
- Producing a zero-sulphur fuel source which will reduce our dependence on fossil fuels
- Re-claiming useful components of polymers, thereby further reducing fossil fuel dependency while also helping industry by providing an emissions-lite source of, for instance, a high-quality char (required by filters) and a synthetic bitumen
- Generating electricity for the National Grid
- Creating heat which can be directed to other Orthios initiatives, including those in support of food security.