New Alkaline Thermal Process Turns Mixed Plastic Waste Into Clean Hydrogen Fuel Without Sorting

Researchers have developed a new method called alkaline thermal treatment (ATT) that converts mixed plastic waste into high-purity hydrogen fuel at lower temperatures than conventional gasification. The process uses sodium hydroxide to break down common plastics like PET, PE, and PP without requiring expensive sorting or cleaning, and produces negligible direct carbon emissions. Initial lab tests achieved hydrogen yields comparable to pyrolysis and gasification but with less energy input. The approach addresses two major problems at once: plastic pollution and the need for clean hydrogen fuel. However, the research is still at milligram-scale, and the team needs to optimize alkali recycling and test with real-world contaminated waste. A full life-cycle analysis is also needed to confirm the net carbon benefit. While promising, the process is not yet ready for commercial deployment.