Technology

Our patented technology helps build a circular plastic economy by complementing traditional mechanical recycling efforts.

Our Process

With our patented TAC™ process, plastics are heated in the absence of oxygen to form hydrocarbon vapours. These vapours are then condensed into a recycled oil, called TACOIL™.

1. Hot Melt Pump

The plastic is heated until it becomes a plastic melt, and is pumped to the reactors.

2. Reactor

The plastic melt is further heated (in the absence of oxygen) and changes from liquid to vapour. A small portion of solids are extracted as char.

3. Contactor

The vaporised molecular chains are selected and act as a filter.

4. Condensation

Condensed vapours are refined through a series of separators and filtration steps, creating a synthetic oil which is a feedstock for new plastics.

The synthetic gas is used to heat the reactors.

5. Recycled Oils: TACOIL™

The synthetic output, called TACOIL™, is stored for sale to our petrochemical partners.

Our Process

With our patented TAC™ process, plastics are heated in the absence of oxygen to form hydrocarbon vapours. These vapours are then condensed into a recycled oil, called TACOIL™.
1. Hot Melt Pump

The plastic is heated until it becomes a plastic melt, and is pumped to the reactors.
2. Reactor

The plastic melt is further heated (in the absence of oxygen) and changes from liquid to vapour. A small portion of solids are extracted as char.
3. Contactor

The vaporised molecular chains are selected and act as a filter.
4. Condensation

Condensed vapours are refined through a series of separators and filtration steps, creating a synthetic oil which is a feedstock for new plastics.

The synthetic gas is used to heat the reactors.
5. Recycled Oils: TACOIL™

The synthetic output, called TACOIL™, is stored for sale to our petrochemical partners.

Loughborough Labs

Following a decade of collaboration with Loughborough University, Plastic Energy announced the opening of its new research and development labs in November 2022. The new labs, located in Loughborough University Science and Enterprise Park (LUSEP) will be the hub for Plastic Energy’s work on further development and optimisation of its unique chemical recycling technology.

The new lab contains state of the art equipment, including a new pilot plant, which the research team will use to test feedstock and improve the quality of the final product from Plastic Energy’s TAC™ process, called TACOIL™.