Plastic Waste to Oil: What Types of Plastic Work Best?

For pyrolysis machine can convert plastic waste to oil and other valuable products to generate huge profits, more and more customers are interested in plastic waste pyrolysis recycling business. However, not all plastics perform the same way in the pyrolysis process. For investors and recycling businesses, understanding which types of plastic work best for oil production is essential for maximizing efficiency and profitability.

• How Plastic-to-Oil Pyrolysis Works

Plastic pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process carried out in an oxygen-free environment. Under controlled high temperatures, plastic materials break down into smaller hydrocarbon molecules, after going through condemsation system, producing: fuel oil(plastic pyrolysis oil), carbon black, and syn-gas. The quality and quantity of these outputs largely depend on the type of plastic being processed.

• Best Plastic Types for Pyrolysis

PE: Polyethylene, including HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) and LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene), is considered one of the most suitable materials for plastic-to-oil conversion, including plastic bags, packaging films, HDPE plastic containers, agricultural films, etc.

PP: Polypropylene is another highly recommended feedstock for pyrolysis, includes food containers, woven bags, bottle caps, and rigid packaging plastics.

PS: Polystyrene, commonly found in disposable cups and foam packaging, can also be processed through pyrolysis.

These three plastic waste have a higher oil yield between 70% and 90%.

In addition to these three types of plastics, there are also other types of plastic waste can be recycled with the pyrolysis machine to get oil, but their oil is lower than the above three plastics: mixed plastics(50%-70%), paper mill waste(15%-60%), household plastic waste(35%-50%), waste electrical and electronic equipment(25%-30%), etc.

• Plastics That Require Caution

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): contains chlorine, which can release corrosive gases during pyrolysis and may increase environmental treatment requirements.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate): commonly used in beverage bottles, is generally less suitable for pyrolysis oil production because of its lower oil yield and higher residue content.

All in all, plastic types affect a lot for oil output, if you want to get most oil with good quality, just select the suitable plastic waste for recycling, such as the PP/PE/PS plastics, etc. Also, if you have question about your recycle plastic waste, you can consult Huayin directly, we can provide the material testing service to help you select the suitable waste for you. Welcome to contact us for more information.