The American Chemistry Council (ACC) and Ocean Recovery Alliance today introduced two new tools aimed at helping communities around the globe evaluate their potential to adopt plastics-to-fuel technologies. A growing number of experts believe that harnessing more of our non-recycled plastics to create valuable fuels and manufacturing feedstocks could help dramatically reduce ocean litter and deliver economic and environmental benefits to local communities.
The â2015 Plastics-to-Fuel Developers Guideâ and âCost Estimating Tool for Prospective Project Developersâ were designed to help potential investors, developers and community leaders determine whether this rapidly growing family of technologies could be a good fit for meeting local waste management needs and local demand for the relevant commodities. Available at no cost, these tools provide for the first time an exploration of available commercial technologies, operational facilities, and things to consider when developing a business plan.
Also known as âpyrolysis,â todayâs plastics-to-fuel technologies are versatile and can be designed to match local conditions. Depending on the specific technology chosen, they can manufacture a variety of products, including synthetic crude or refined fuels for home heating; ingredients for diesel, gasoline and kerosene; or fuel for combined heat and power for industrial uses.
âWe are excited to introduce these new tools,â said Doug Woodring, director and co-founder of Ocean Recovery Alliance. âSustainable materials management is largely a local issue, but one with important global implications. Our goal is to give communities and government leaders the tools they need to make good decisions that meet local needs. These new technologies can help mitigate the flow of plastic resources into our communities, waters and the ocean.â
âModern plastics-to-fuel technologies are a critical tool to recapture the value in materials that otherwise would be destined for landfill,â said Steve Russell, ACCâs vice president of plastics. ACC and the Ocean Recovery Alliance announced the tools at the fourth annual Plasticity Forum held in Cascais, Portugal. Each year, Plasticity draws hundreds of global thought leaders in the areas of policy, design, innovation, waste management, retail/brand management, and more.
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