Enviro News Asia, Semarang – Plastic waste remains a major issue in Indonesia. From environmental pollution to the complexity of recycling processes, plastic accumulation poses a serious challenge to the sustainability of the planet.
Addressing this concern, a research team from Diponegoro University has introduced an innovative solution: catalytic pyrolysis technology capable of transforming plastic waste into renewable energy.
This technology was developed by Prof. Ir. Didi Dwi Anggoro, M.Eng., a lecturer in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Diponegoro University (Undip), in collaboration with the team from DIPO Fuel, supported by Undip’s Institute for Research and Community Services (LPPM), and three of his students.
Together, they designed and developed a modular pyrolysis device that processes plastic waste in the absence of oxygen, using a locally developed catalyst.
As a result, plastic waste such as water bottles/cups, plastic utensils, food wrappers, shopping bags, Styrofoam, used cigarette packaging, and more can be converted into liquid fuel, gas, and solid residue (wax) with practical value.
More than just a device, this innovation represents Undip’s commitment to its mission of “Dignified Undip, Impactful Undip” and aligns with the direction of impactful scientific and technological policies by the Ministry of Higher Education, encouraging campus research that truly addresses real-world needs.
Prof. Didi explained that the device uses a hybrid heating system utilizing used oil and LPG, allowing it to continue operating even during power outages.
“The used oil requires a blower and electricity. If the power goes out, the system switches to LPG. However, we prioritize using waste oil because it supports sustainability principles,” he stated in Undip’s official press release.
He further described how the pyrolysis process works: “The feed enters from the top into the reactor, which then produces three outputs.
The gas produced passes through two condensers to yield two types of liquid. Any remaining gas is reused as heating fuel—so nothing goes to waste,” he explained.
Even the solid residue, wax, is not discarded. “The wax can be molded into paving blocks or other forms depending on the mold. In other words, every output of this tool—gas, liquid, or residue—is usable,” he added.
Notably, the device is designed to operate continuously, with a processing capacity of up to 700 kg of plastic waste per day.
In terms of efficiency, the innovation is remarkable. “The yield of liquid fuel from this catalytic pyrolysis device can reach 60%, making it a highly promising alternative energy source,” said Prof. Didi.
With an approach that is practical, economical, efficient, and environmentally friendly, this innovation not only offers a solution to the problem of non-degradable plastic waste but is also expected to bridge science with real societal challenges.
From the campus, from young people, from anyone who believes that waste is not the end—but the beginning of new energy.
Through this concrete step, Undip is not only showcasing its contribution to waste management and energy resilience but also reinforcing the vital role of higher education institutions in delivering impactful solutions to global issues such as the environmental crisis and energy security. The university is no longer just a place for learning, but a birthplace for change.
Pilot Trial Results at UNDIP’s K3L Waste Processing Facility
In a trial at the UNDIP K3L Integrated Waste Processing Site (TPST), the device successfully processed 37.5 kg of mixed plastic waste over 8 hours of pyrolysis at a controlled temperature of 443°C.
The process yielded 12.5 liters of liquid fuel usable for modified generators and stoves, and 2 liters of liquid wax that can even be processed into eco-friendly paving block materials.
Uncondensed residual gas, such as methane, was reused to maintain the reactor’s temperature—achieving an energy conversion process with virtually zero waste. (*)
