Get to know FENIX: Innovation in Catalysts for Plastic Waste Pyrolysis and Circular Economy

In a scenario where environmental concerns challenge the linear-economy production model, FCC S.A. is proud to present FENIX, a catalyst designed for catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste. This release means a significant advancement towards more sustainable practices and circular economy, providing an effective solution for a growing problem. 

Because of inadequate disposal, plastics, which are crucial for food and drug conservation, cause significant environmental impacts. Less than 10% of post-consumption plastics are recycled, resulting in enormous environmental passives and financial losses. Besides, the presence of chemical additives hinders recyclability, while other contaminants reduce purity of the post-consumption material. 

Chemical recycling using pyrolysis emerges as a promising solution for mitigating these impacts. This process yields an oil containing hydrocarbon fractions that can be reinserted in the value chain, strengthening the circular economy model. 

Inserted in this context, FENIX, the new FCC S.A. catalyst was presented for the first time during a workshop and a technical lecture during the Latin American Refining Technology Conference (LARTC) 2024, the main downstream event in Latin America. During the conference, commercial results obtained from the use FENIX were presented and its ability to improve the obtained oil quality was evidenced, rendering it lighter and reducing the formation of undesirable waxes. 

Further highlights of FENIX catalyst: 

• High Conversion:  Maximizes plastics conversion and minimizes wax formation during the catalytic pyrolysis process;
• Superior Selectivity: Provides high naphtha selectivity, yielding ideal specification products for steam crackers or FCC units processing; 
• Energy Efficiency: Enables to perform pyrolysis reactions at lower temperatures, promoting higher energy efficiency;
• Flexibility: Catalyst selectivity can be adjusted to meet specific needs, such as production of aromatics or light olefins
  (C₃, C₄).

FENIX is a further FCC S.A. step towards innovation and sustainability in the chemical sector. 

To know more about FENIX and how it can transform the plastic waste pyrolysis process, download the product technical sheet. 
 

Click here and know about FENIX