Coolbrook Breakthrough: Pyrolysis Oil from Plastic Waste Cracked at Large-Scale Pilot

Breakthrough in Pyrolysis Oil Cracking

Coolbrook has achieved a significant milestone by successfully cracking 100% plastic-waste-derived pyrolysis oil at its large-scale pilot facility using the RotoDynamic Reactor (RDR) technology. This marks the first time globally that such a process has been accomplished, maintaining high yields of ethylene and propylene while ensuring stable operations.

Advancing Circular Plastics

Pyrolysis oil from waste is crucial for closing the loop in plastics recycling. Coolbrook's success demonstrates the RDR's capability to handle challenging feedstocks, paving the way for sustainable olefin production from end-of-life plastics. This achievement builds on previous successes at the Brightlands pilot plant in the Netherlands, where Coolbrook demonstrated the ability to heat various gases using renewable electricity.

eLECTRO Project Support

The tests were part of the eLECTRO project, funded under the EU Horizon Europe programme, which aims to develop an electrified pathway for converting mixed plastic waste into light olefins. The project combines advanced waste pre-treatment, electrified pyrolysis, and electrified cracking via Coolbrook’s RDR, aiming to demonstrate sustainable, circular, and scalable solutions for the future of plastics and petrochemicals.

Implications for the Petrochemical Industry

Dr. Tuomas Ouni, Head of Process Development at Coolbrook, highlighted the benefits of cracking 100% pyrolysis oil without dilution, which simplifies operations and enhances traceability of circular materials. The RDR technology offers improved yields of ethylene and propylene compared to conventional furnaces, without increasing coking, confirming its potential role in decarbonization and circularity within the petrochemical industry.