The ITENE technology center has completed the PYROCYCLE project, in which it developed and validated advanced pyrolysis technologies to transform biological waste and complex plastics into high-value products such as biochar, purified bio-oil, adsorbents, and industrial waxes. The initiative was funded by the Valencian Institute for Business Competitiveness (IVACE+i) with ERDF funds.
During the project, different types of waste from managers such as GIRSA and SAV were studied, including pruning residues, wood waste, and contaminated complex plastics. Among the materials analyzed were woods with adhesives and coatings, as well as contaminated polyolefins from waste management processes, containers, and other waste that typically ends up in landfills or is valorized for energy recovery.
Key results
One of the main milestones achieved has been the development of specific pretreatment protocols for each waste stream, combining different unit operations including drying, grinding, washing, and separation of non-target materials. These strategies have reduced contaminants in the materials by more than 80% and ensured the conditions necessary to optimize pyrolysis processes.
In the field of slow pyrolysis, ITENE has validated the production of biochar and bio-oil from lignocellulosic waste, including complex fractions such as wood contaminated with adhesives and coatings. The results have helped identify how operating conditions influence the yield and properties of the products obtained, as well as generate key knowledge for treating waste that has traditionally been outside valorization loops. The validation process involved the company PROJAR.
“The results show that waste deemed difficult to utilize up to now can be transformed into secondary raw materials with real applications across different industrial sectors. We have validated robust, scalable processes that open new opportunities for the circular economy,” notes Miriam Lorenzo, head of the PYROCYCLE project at ITENE.
On the other hand, research on fast pyrolysis of fossil-based fractions such as polyolefins has enabled the production of pyrolysis liquids with potential for the manufacture of industrial waxes. These products have undergone purification and refinement processes to tailor their properties to the requirements of applications in sectors such as packaging, automotive, textiles, or footwear. The validation of the products has been carried out by HERCHA QUÍMICA.
In addition to optimizing thermo-chemical transformation processes in collaboration with the expertise of BluePlasma Power (BPP), PYROCYCLE has worked on improving the obtained products to increase their added value. Among the advances achieved are the development of biochar with enhanced properties for agricultural applications and adsorbents, bio-oils with biocidal potential, and pyrolysis liquids suitable for incorporation into industrial formulations.
“PYROCYCLE demonstrates that thermo-chemical technologies can play a fundamental role in the transition to a more circular economy, reducing dependence on virgin raw materials and offering new alternatives for valorization of complex waste,” concludes the project lead. With this initiative, ITENE strengthens its commitment to applied research and the transfer of innovative solutions capable of turning waste into high-value resources for industry.
