Getting plastics out of the streets and into the chemical value chain is the main goal of BASF Nigeria’s Waste-2-Chemicals project. Social entrepreneurs and local waste pickers are gathering plastics from the streets, after sorting they will be processed into pyrolysis oil and gas to generate energy for the process. This model project will bring economic as well as social value to the local community and will provide circular feedstock for the chemical industry.
Plastic waste in the streets and consequently in the ocean is a big issue in the world, and also in the West African country and its largest city Lagos. It is also the city with the second largest population in all of Africa with over 22 million people. Their trash congests the gutters, causing drainage issues in Lagos state. Among the reasons for these issues are a lack of infrastructure, funding and administration for waste disposal.
Plastic waste and plastic pollution in Lagos was a very great concern. But now we’ve got recycling, we are starting to get it under control, but there is a lot left to be done.”
describes Muslimat Ali, Waste sorter, Wecyclers.
There are multiple ways to solve the issue – from banning plastics altogether, making the companies providing plastic packaging aware of their responsibilities and of course educating the population on how to dispose their solid waste. Initiatives like Waste-2-Chemicals and recycling partners like Wecyclers start to change minds and streets.
says Ibrahim Odumboni.
In Lagos, more and more companies are tackling the problem successfully. The recycling industry is starting to be recognized as an opportunity for employment and economic security.
Everybody understands what recycling means now. Education and creating an awareness for recycling has been achieved.
So, the next step is trying to influence people to change their attitude.”
explains Muslimat Ali.
The BASF Waste-2-Chemicals project also relies on social entrepreneurs who employ waste pickers. Gathering plastic waste creates jobs and has a positive impact on the local economy.
describes Ibrahim Odumboni.
Lagos being a megacity of over 22 million people provides the right environment to validate all elements relevant to establishing a decentralized waste-to-chemicals initiative.
BASF is investing in innovative pyrolysis technology to convert plastic waste into oil and has collaborated with a German start-up to deploy a first plastics waste pyrolysis unit. Through a thermochemical process, the shredded plastic will be turned into pyrolysis oil, a secondary raw material. The unit is planned to start operations in 2023 with the goal to validate all the elements required to develop and deploy larger scale units.
explains Dr. Akintayo Adisa, BASF Manager, Senior Projects Sustainability.
The Waste-2-Chemicals project aims to treat plastic waste as a valuable source for recycling diretcly where it occurs. After the plastic waste has been converted into pyrolysis oil, it will be transported to a central location and stabilized for oversea shipment. From here, the oil will serve as a feedstock for applications in the chemical industry and is going to be used to manufatcure new products that have the same properties as conventional products. This approach shows that plastic waste can have a way higher value than simply using it as fuel. If successfully demonstrating the possibilites for the use of pyrolysis oil, the concept could be scaled up on the African continent.
describes Dr. Akintayo Adisa.
Lots of potential is packed into these pyrolysis units. They will be even able to power themselves: A small part of the waste is planned to be pyrolyzed into gas and used to generate the energy for the process. Since they are so compact, the units can be distributed across Lagos, Nigeria and beyond.
By having a decentralized approach, this will provide an opportunity for investors who might want to invest in having this unit.”
With more units across the country, more plastic waste could be collected from the streets and converted into valuable oil.
The Waste-2-Chemicals project aims to provide a real opportunity for the chemical industry and local communities. It will combine social entrepreneurship with a compact recycling unit that produces pyrolysis oils for new products.
