Innovative Technology Converts PPE Waste into Fuel

Almost 8.5 million tonnes of plastic waste have been produced since Covid 19 first hit, with the vast bulk of this material disposed of in landfills or the ocean.

Groups at Heriot-Watt University are focusing on creating an innovative technology that converts plastic waste into pyrolysis oil that can be used in manufacturing and converted into products e.g., PPE or fuels.

Dr Aimaro Sanna, assistant professor at the university, said that “We will be working closely with Globus Group to develop a bespoke process that will be applied to PPE plastic waste that cannot currently be recycled. Many countries have been unable to process their plastic waste PPE properly. Our ground-breaking research aims to address these challenges providing an exemplar technique for application globally.”

In Golborne, Globus Group has introduced a new sustainable thermal heating system. Plastic polypropylene is heated and pressed down into reusable cubes; this allows the plastic to be used as a primary resource for manufacturing Globus’ PPE goods. This means that the quantity of waste produced for PPE by Globus Group will decrease by 85%.

Pete Lee, responsible for quality at Globus, conveyed their “responsibility to the NHS, supporting it in delivering a ‘net zero’ sustainable future, and the long-term welfare of future generations. This technology will be a real game changer in the way we tackle our PPE waste.”

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