Chemcycle – Pyrolysis System in Thailand

In the face of escalating global concerns over plastic waste and its impact on the environment, one company in Thailand is pioneering a groundbreaking solution that not only addresses the waste management crisis but also offers a promising alternative to traditional fuel sources. Chemcycle Co., Ltd, a dynamic solid waste management startup, is at the forefront of this transformative journey. Here’s an executive summary of their mission, company profile, the problem they address, their innovative solution, and the technology that powers their vision.

Mission

Chemcycle’s founding principle is to tackle the growing challenge of municipal plastic waste accumulation head-on. Their mission is ambitious yet clear: to maximize the value extracted from waste while substantially reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional waste disposal and fuel production methods.

Company Overview

Chemcycle Co., Ltd stands out as a beacon of innovation in the solid waste management sector in Thailand. Offering a range of plastic waste management and technology services, the company specializes in the development of municipal, residential, and industrial waste segregation, alongside plastic waste conversion and recovery modular units. These units are not only utilized in-house but are also available to licensees. The crown jewel of Chemcycle’s offerings is its synthetic crude oil, derived from waste plastic, serving as a crucial feedstock for the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Backed by continuous research and development from ECI, their technical partner and shareholder, Chemcycle remains at the cutting edge of waste separation, conversion, and recovery technologies.

The Problem

Thailand’s contribution to plastic waste in the ocean is alarmingly high, ranking among the top ten globally. With over 25 million metric tons of solid waste generated in 2022 and a stark disparity between proper and improper waste disposal sites, the country faces a significant environmental crisis. The challenge is not just the volume of waste but also the inadequate infrastructure for its proper disposal.

Our Solution

Chemcycle introduces a groundbreaking waste plastic recovery system based on pyrolysis technology. This system allows for the thermal recycling of all types of plastic waste, originating from both industrial and household sources, with minimal pre-treatment required. It offers a sustainable and profitable solution for landfill operators seeking an environmentally friendly method of disposing of plastic waste.

Modular Mixed Waste Segregation Unit

This unit employs a combination of mechanical and biological treatment methods to extract high-purity plastic waste from municipal solid waste. Techniques such as size screening, shredding, magnetic separation, and refining are utilized to ensure the separation of materials, preparing them as raw material for Chemcycle’s waste plastic recovery system.

Modular Waste Plastic Recovery Unit

Designed as multiple modular skids, Chemcycle’s waste plastic recovery unit boasts a processing capacity of 25 tons per day. It produces process gas, synthetic crude oil, and residue coal, all while operating at an efficient temperature of 420°C and less than 1 bar pressure. The synthetic crude oil, notable for its very low sulfur content, serves as a valuable product that can power generators or be sold to refineries. The residue coal, with its high heating value, presents an excellent substitute for low sulfur coal.

This modular system, requiring a modest footprint and offering the flexibility for capacity expansion, encapsulates Chemcycle’s innovative approach to waste management and energy production. By converting plastic waste into valuable synthetic crude oil and other by-products, Chemcycle not only addresses the pressing issue of waste accumulation but also contributes to a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.