Yale breakthrough turns plastic waste into fuel efficiently.
Yale's new method converts plastic to fuel with 66% efficiency, no catalyst needed.
Why it matters
- Addresses plastic waste crisis with a potential fuel source.
- More efficient and scalable than traditional pyrolysis.
By the numbers
- 460M metric tons of plastic produced annually.
- 66% yield of fuel chemicals from polyethylene.
- 56% yield in less efficient, scalable model.
The big picture
- New reactor design improves control over pyrolysis.
- Could offer a practical solution for plastic waste.
What they're saying
- Critics question energy efficiency and scalability.
- Concerns about microplastic pollution and greenwashing.
Caveats
- Commercial viability and net energy gain still uncertain.
- Criticized as potential greenwashing by the petroleum industry.
What’s next
- Further testing and scaling of the technology.
- Addressing concerns about energy efficiency and environmental impact.