The Cat-HTR™ technology (Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor) is an upgrading platform which can convert waste plastic, including mixed composite polymer waste streams such as plastic films, into high-grade and valuable chemicals such as oils, waxes and naphtha. In essence, our technology turns mixed plastics currently considered unrecyclable, back into the products from which they were made.

Using supercritical water, the Cat-HTR™ breaks down the polymeric structure of the plastic feedstock for the creation of new, stable hydrocarbons; producing several stable products which can be easily stored and shipped. The technology has been developed, trialled and tested across a ten year span at a pilot facility in Australia.

Not only does Cat-HTR™ provide an answer to the world’s plastic disposal problem with a chemical recycling solution, the output products will be REACH¹ registered, while the process represents a significant CO₂ reduction when compared to fossil resource.

This chemical recycling solution can process mixed waste plastics that are currently considered too mixed or contaminated for traditional recycling practices across the world.

From food-grade multi-layer film to rigid plastic trays (including those contaminated with food or paper waste), these plastics are currently disposed of via landfill or incineration – and so the opportunity for polymer recycling is lost. With no limit to the number of times we can recycle the same polymers, by diverting plastic away from incineration or landfill and re-using it, we retain the value of the material. By opening up a wider scope of recyclable feedstocks, the Cat-HTR™ process can help to reach recycling targets outlined in authority and governmental strategies, supplementing traditional recycling methods.

End-of-life plastic is shredded and unwanted contaminants such as glass, metals, grit and stones are removed. The shredded plastic is then heated and compressed, combined with supercritical water and further heated.

Once the product enters the Cat-HTR™, the water acts as ‘molecular scissors’ to break down the polymeric bonds, donating hydrogen to create useful short-chain, stable hydrocarbons.

These hydrocarbons are then separated into chemicals and oils, such as naphtha, middle distillate, waxes and a bitumen-type product; they are then stored, ready for transport.