Pyrolysis Oil: Decarbonising Petrochemicals
Pyrolysis oil, produced from plastic waste, is emerging as a sustainable feedstock for petrochemical processes, supporting chemical recycling and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Despite its potential, challenges remain in purification, scalability, and feedstock logistics. Innovations in adsorbent and hydrotreating technologies are helping overcome these barriers, driving adoption and supporting the transition to a circular economy.
Pyrolysis oil, derived from end-of-life plastics through high-temperature, oxygen-free decomposition, is gaining traction as a sustainable alternative to fossil-based feedstocks in the petrochemical industry. Its integration into steam crackers enables chemical recycling and reduces dependence on virgin hydrocarbons, supporting a circular economy. However, raw pyrolysis oil contains contaminants such as chlorides, silicon, nitrogen, and metals, which can damage downstream equipment and catalysts. Upgrading methods like adsorbent-based purification and hydrotreating are essential to meet refinery specifications. Adsorbent technology is favored for its flexibility and lower costs, while hydrotreating offers more thorough purification but at higher expense. Modular systems combining both approaches are emerging, allowing scalable adoption. Despite progress, challenges persist in feedstock availability, product consistency, and process stability, especially as pyrolysis oil use increases. Regulatory pressures and sustainability goals are accelerating investment in sorting, preprocessing, and advanced purification technologies. Continued innovation in catalysts and adsorbents, such as Evonik’s Purocel™ series, is critical for broader application and commercial viability. As the industry moves toward greater circularity, pyrolysis oil is poised to play a central role in decarbonising petrochemical operations.
