Plastic waste is one of the leading problems across the world because of its significant dependency and few alternatives. As a result, much ongoing capital is being invested in researching new ways to manage plastic. Japan has devised a way to manage plastic waste using HICOP technology. So, let’s look at this great alternative for tackling the rising problems of plastics.
Importance Of Plastic Waste Management
The world is facing many climate challenges and environmental issues. Plastic contributes to pollution on an ecological scale. Thus, it’s crucial for people to come up with proper management ideas and plans for plastic.
Below are some of the key points highlighting the importance of waste management.
- Environmental Impact
- Better Human Health
- Various Economic Benefits
- Resource Conservation
- Climate Change Mitigation
Plastic Waste Management Using High-Efficiency Oil Production Technology
Japan has some of the world’s most annual plastic waste per person. Plus, with limited resources, the Japanese are trying to utilise their plastic waste for fuel and oil production.
This process, called high-efficiency oil technology or HICOP, employs different processes like pyrolysis and catalytic cracking.
The end product of this process is refined oil, which can be used further for different methods and machinery.
Inside High Energy Efficiency Oil Production Technology
The high-energy oil production technology utilises many moving components for its efficiency. Even though it’s not 100 per cent sufficient, it can convert 80 per cent of the waste into oil under optimal conditions.
The further refining of the generated oil from plastics is efficient in powering generators and different motors.
Working Of HICOP
The plastic waste is passed through chambers where the pyrolysis takes place. The temperature goes over 450 degrees Celsius during some of the processes. After this, the plastic substrate is taken into a catalytic chamber where the cracking process occurs. Finally, the waste is converted into feasible hydrocarbons after removing different gases and refining procedures.
Implementing Technology Across the Globe
Implementing HICOP is not easy as it involves many variables and technicalities. First, it takes a lot of power to build such plants, and there are also health risks associated with emitted carcinogens.
Benefits of HICOP For Plastic Waste Management
Even though the HICOP is a complex waste management process, it offers many advantages over traditional recycling efforts.
- Highly efficient.
- Useful end product.
- Can perform multiple cycles.
Future Of HICOP Technology
HICOP is a great technology and an answer to the plastic problem. However, it is not the ultimate solution because it’s not feasible for the whole world. Pairing this technology with the rise of eco plastics, the 3 R’s of plastic management, is a great way to reduce the amount of plastic in the environment.
Conclusion
Japan has developed HICOP technology for plastic waste management. This technology uses high-efficiency oil production to convert plastic waste into refined oil. This process involves pyrolysis and catalytic cracking and can convert 80% of waste into oil.
Although not 100% efficient, it offers benefits like increased efficiency, helpful end products, and multiple cycles. While HICOP is not a universal solution, it can be combined with eco-plastics to reduce plastic waste and address climate change.
Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs)
What is plastic waste management?
Plastic management is the way to efficiently utilise waste to create innovative and practical products or even energy.
What is the best way to manage plastic waste?
The best way to manage plastic is to avoid its unnecessary use in daily life. Even though this is challenging, such initiatives are critical to proper management.
What are the 3rs of plastic waste management?
The 3 R’s of plastic waste management are:
- Reduce
- Reuse
- Recycling
What are 5 ways to reduce plastic waste?
The five ways to reduce plastic waste are:
- Avoid single-use plastic products
- Purchase a jute bag for shopping
- Recycling plastic
- Replacing plastic products with alternatives
- Bulk shopping
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