A new technology that its developers say can convert plastic polymers not just into any recyclable form but into fuel was developed in the Philippines, ABS-CBNNews.com reported.

"The invention was accidental. It was originally intended to restore the plastics' original composition. Surprisingly, it turned out diesel," said Filipino inventor Jaime Navarro.

The recycling plant, located at Rodriguez town in Rizal province, uses a conveyor where plastic is digested into smaller pieces until they turn into powder. The powder form will be melted in a reactor using pyrolysis, the thermochemical decomposition of organic materials at high temperature in the absence of oxygen.

Finally, through distillation, byproducts such as diesel, kerosene and gasoline are produced.

The converter reportedly can generate eight drums or 1,600 liters of diesel per day from two tons of plastic saved from the landfills.

Fuel generated from plastic costs 4,000 pesos ($94) per ton or four pesos ($0.09) per kilo. It is five pesos ($0.12) cheaper than the commercial price of oil.

"With this technology, we can significantly reduce the volume of discarded plastic into landfills, and turn them into a valuable asset [like] diesel, kerosene [or] gas," said Ana Po, president of Poly-Green Technology and Resources, a Philippine-based clean technology company.

The Philippine Department of Energy and the Department of Science and Technology said they commend the innovation and are hopeful industries will benefit from it, particularly the transport sector. – EcoSeed Staff