Indonesia’s massive waste production is not matched by its waste management quality. This waste comes from various sources such as household, corporate, medical, and other sectors. According to the 2022 National Waste Management Information System (SIPSN) data from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK), reported by 202 cities/regencies across Indonesia, the national waste generation reached 21.1 million tons. Of this amount, only 65.71% (13.9 million tons) is properly managed, while the remaining 34.29% (7.2 million tons) remains unmanaged.

To address this issue, researchers from Universitas Sumatera Utara and Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara in Medan, Indonesia, have introduced a major breakthrough in plastic waste management. The team—comprising Ilmi, Suherman, Suprianto, Syukril Hanif, Royhan Nahdi, Walid Ulfa Nasution, Muhammad Turmuzi, Arlina Nurbaity Lubis, Elvina Herawati, and Tengku Silvana Sinar—combined expertise from mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, economics, mathematics, and cultural studies to develop a pyrolysis-based technology that converts plastic waste into pyrolytic plastic oil (PPO), a viable alternative fuel.

Ilmi, a lecturer and lead researcher from the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Sumatera Utara, explained, “Plastic waste contains high levels of carbon and hydrogen. Through pyrolysis, plastic can be transformed into oil that serves as an energy source.” Pyrolysis is a thermal decomposition process conducted in the absence of oxygen, breaking down plastic molecules into oil, gas, and solid residue.

The team used Aspen Plus® simulation software to determine the optimal temperatures for pyrolyzing household plastics like polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). “Simulation is essential to determine the temperature that yields the best quality and quantity of oil, without the cost and time of extensive lab experiments,” said Ilmi.

Simulation results showed that around 450°C is optimal for PS, producing oil yields of up to 89%. For PE and LDPE, the optimal temperature was 500°C, yielding 85% and 83% respectively. “Temperature greatly affects process efficiency and the quality of pyrolysis products,” Ilmi added.

Following the simulation, the team tested the PPO by blending it with diesel and biodiesel made from waste cooking oil (WCO). These trials assessed engine performance and exhaust emissions at PPO blend levels of 5%, 10%, and 15%. “We found that a 5% PPO blend with diesel provided better thermal efficiency and lower fuel consumption than higher blend ratios,” said Ilmi.

However, emission challenges arose. “The high aromatic content in PPO increases carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide emissions at higher blend ratios. This is the focus of our ongoing research to make the technology more environmentally friendly,” Ilmi noted.

He also views pyrolysis technology not only as a waste management solution but also as a new economic opportunity. “Turning plastic waste into fuel can create jobs and support the development of sustainable renewable energy,” he said.

Ilmi emphasized the importance of cross-sector support. “Government policy, industry participation, and public awareness are all essential for widespread adoption of this technology,” he added.

The multidisciplinary research team—from chemical engineering to economics—helped ensure a balanced approach between technical and socio-economic aspects. Ilmi believes this interdisciplinary collaboration is key to the project’s success.

Further research aims to refine PPO quality to meet industrial fuel standards. “We are focusing on reducing viscosity and sulfur content in PPO to lower emissions and improve engine performance,” Ilmi explained.

Recognizing the vast potential of this innovation, Ilmi hopes Indonesia can become a pioneer in green technology development. “With a large population and serious waste management challenges, Indonesia has great potential to adopt pyrolysis as both an energy and environmental solution,” he said optimistically.

This research highlights how a major problem like plastic waste can be transformed into a valuable energy source through innovation. “Through science and technology, we can turn environmental issues into major opportunities. This is our real contribution to a cleaner and more sustainable future,” Ilmi concluded.

The pyrolysis technology developed by Ilmi and the team is not only an energy alternative but also a strategic move to preserve the planet for future generations. “Protecting the Earth is everyone’s responsibility, and green technologies like this are one way we can fulfill that duty,” Ilmi said hopefully.