Discussions regarding the legalization of diesel fuel derived from processed plastic waste open up new opportunities for waste management and the provision of alternative energy in Indonesia. According to an expert from IPB University, Dr Leopold Oscar, scientifically speaking, plastic waste can indeed be processed into liquid fuel through pyrolysis technology.
Pyrolysis is a thermochemical decomposition process of materials at high temperatures under conditions of minimal or no oxygen. In this process, plastic is broken down into various products in the form of gas, liquid, and solid residue. The liquid product produced has the potential to be developed into fuel, although it still requires further processing.
“The characteristics of the oil produced by pyrolysis are greatly influenced by the type of plastic used as raw material,” explained Dr Leopold.
He explained that plastics such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) tend to produce hydrocarbon compounds that are more suitable for fuel. In contrast, other types of plastics, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), produce other compounds that are corrosive or have the potential to cause environmental problems, making them less ideal as potential fuel sources.
In addition to the type of plastic, product quality is also determined by various process factors, such as operating temperature, heating, catalyst use, and the pre-treatment stage of the raw material. Therefore, Dr Leopold explained, pyrolysis oil cannot yet be directly used as commercial diesel fuel. The product must still undergo purification, distillation, and cracking processes to meet diesel fuel quality standards.
“If it is eventually marketed to the public, quality and safety must be the top priorities. From raw material sorting, production process control, to final product quality testing, these steps must be carried out consistently. On the other hand, Indonesia also requires clear regulations regarding raw material standards, production processes, and the quality of the resulting products,” he explained.
From an environmental perspective, using plastic waste as fuel can be one way to reduce the accumulation of non-biodegradable waste. This approach is also consistent with the concept of a circular economy because it adds value to waste that was previously unused.
Nevertheless, Dr Leopold emphasized that this technology must be viewed comprehensively. The main challenges currently are improving process efficiency, ensuring economic viability, and guaranteeing that operations are safe for the environment.
“Looking ahead, the use of plastic waste as fuel holds significant potential for addressing waste management challenges, especially as long as energy needs remain dependent on fossil fuels. However, since plastic pyrolysis products can also be used for non-fuel applications, their role needs to be continuously evaluated as the use of renewable energy in Indonesia expands,” Dr Leopold concluded. (Ez) (IAAS/EPK)
