IIT-BHUdevelops eco-friendly tech to convert plastic waste into fuel

Varanasi: In an initiative poised to benefit the environment, researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), BHU have successfully developed an innovative process to convert hazardous plastic waste into high-quality fuel oil. This eco-friendly technology offers a sustainable solution to the ever-growing plastic waste problem, particularly in urban areas like Varanasi.

Led by Prof Hiralal Pramanik, the research team developed a patented multiphase catalytic pyrolysis reactor that uses low-cost, natural catalysts synthesised from river clay. This innovative system converts commonly discarded plastics such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene into diesel and kerosene-range fuel oils.

Prof Pramanik said that this pioneering work is rooted in the pressing environmental challenges faced by the city of Varanasi, where improper disposal of plastic waste led to numerous problems, including frequent waterlogging caused by clogged drainage systems, death of cows that consume plastic mixed with vegetable waste, and the long-term contamination of soil and water bodies due to non-biodegradable nature of plastics. By turning plastic waste into valuable fuel, this technology not only recovers energy but also provides a sustainable waste management solution that can significantly improve urban hygiene, animal safety, and environmental health.

The research, which involved extensive field surveys of Varanasi's waste dumping zones, demonstrates the potential of this low-cost and scalable solution to be implemented in other cities as well.

With an Indian patent already granted and recognition in prestigious international journals such as Waste Management and the International Journal of Energy Research, this innovation marks a major step toward cleaner cities and greener energy. The team is now working on scaling the technology for commercial production, envisioning a future where waste-to-energy solutions play a key role in nation-building and environmental conservation.

IIT-BHU Director Prof Amit Patra praised the outstanding research work of Prof Hiralal Pramanik and his team, calling it a commendable contribution toward sustainable development and environmental stewardship.