South Korea is utilizing pyrolysis oil as a sustainable alternative to naphtha for the production of plastics [1].

The shift comes as the supply of naphtha remains unstable, creating significant pressure for the industry to secure alternative feedstocks [1]. By converting waste plastic back into a usable oil, the country aims to create a more circular economy and reduce its dependence on traditional petrochemical inputs.

The production process involves a pyrolysis reactor where waste plastic is subjected to high temperatures. Kim Suh-young said the reactor operates at around 400 degrees Celsius [1]. This thermal decomposition occurs in the absence of oxygen to prevent the plastic from simply burning.

To effectively break down the polymers into oil, the heating process must be sustained for a significant duration. The process requires more than 12 hours of heating to ensure the plastic waste is fully converted [1]. The resulting pyrolysis oil can then be refined and used as a raw material for new plastic production.

This technological approach allows South Korea to address two challenges simultaneously: managing the growing volume of plastic waste and stabilizing the supply chain for chemical manufacturing. By treating plastic waste as a resource rather than refuse, the industry can mitigate the risks associated with naphtha volatility [1].

“Pyrolysis oil is being highlighted as a sustainable alternative to naphtha”

The adoption of pyrolysis technology represents a strategic shift toward chemical recycling. Unlike mechanical recycling, which often degrades plastic quality, pyrolysis breaks materials down to the molecular level. This allows South Korea to insulate its manufacturing sector from global energy market fluctuations while reducing the environmental footprint of plastic waste.