Pyrolysis of Dutch mixed plastic waste: Lifecycle GHG emissions and carbon recovery efficiency assessment

Plastic production and consumption contribute to climate change and the depletion of non-renewable fossil resources, necessitating a shift towards a circular economy. This study explored the potential of pyrolysis as a novel approach to managing plastic waste and achieving plastic circularity in the Netherlands. Specifically, we focused on the pyrolysis of DKR-350, a low-quality mixed-plastic sorting residue. Using the life cycle assessment framework, we analysed DKR-350 pyrolysis, based on empirical data from pilot-scale trials, from two perspectives depending on the system’s primary function: waste management or naphtha production. We also considered the impacts of pyrolysis feedstock pre-treatment, including washing. Our findings demonstrated that pyrolysis of DKR-350, with lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of 876 kg CO₂ eq. per 1000 kg pyrolysed unwashed DKR-350, can offer significant environmental benefits compared to incineration, resulting in a 28%–31% reduction in lifecycle GHG emissions. Sensitivity analysis showed the potential for achieving a 39%–65% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, with lifecycle GHG emissions representing a mere 470 kg CO₂ eq. per 1000 kg pyrolysed unwashed DKR-350 for the best sensitivity case. Lastly, we analysed the carbon recovery efficiency – a potential circularity indicator based on substance flow – resulting in 38%–55% of recovered carbon in pyrolysis oil, the system’s main product from a lifecycle perspective.