NRW.Zirkulär
Pyrolysis for circular plastics in NRW: an implementation study
Project details
Duration
Start: January 2022
End: November 2022
Project Initiator/Sponsor
- Forschungszentrum Jülich
Project Partners
- Wuppertal Institut für Klima, Umwelt, Energie gGmbH
- Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung
Goal
In this project we will conduct an implementation study to systematically explore under what conditions the North Rhine-Westphalia region could transition to circular plastics using pyrolysis processes.
Approach
- Selection and analysis of a specific pyrolysis process
- Drafting scenarios for future plastic waste streams in NRW
Carbon Minds’ Contribution
Carbon Minds has responsibilities for conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) and for coordinating the overall NRW.Zirkulär project.
Carbon Minds is conducting an LCA study to compare the environmental impacts of two different pyrolysis processes, and to compare each of these pyrolysis processes to waste incineration. The results of this comparative LCA study will be combined with an economic analysis and a plastic availability analysis to select the pyrolysis process with the greatest environmental and economic benefits. Carbon Minds is then responsible for performing a further LCA study of the selected pyrolysis process. This second assessment will take into account a variety of factors, such as current and future electricity and heat production, different naphtha production routes as well as different disposal options for mixed plastic waste. The second LCA will allow the project to assess the current and future potential for pyrolysis to reduce impacts on climate change and fossil resource depletion in North-Rhine Westphalia. In addition to our work with the LCA studies, Carbon Minds will manage the implementation of the individual work packages, organize network partner and support group meetings, and ensures compliance with the project plan.
