Overview

• A KIMM-led consortium unveiled a hydrogen-powered ultra-high-temperature plasma system that processes unsorted plastic waste in less than 0.01 seconds.
• Operating at roughly 1,000–2,000 °C, the process targets ethylene and benzene with reported 70–90% selectivity and delivers outputs purified to over 99%.
• Using 100% hydrogen suppresses soot formation, enabling stable continuous runs and converting problematic wax residues with more than 80% selectivity.
• Pilot data indicate ethylene production costs comparable to conventional feedstocks, supporting the case for industrial validation.
• Backed by South Korea’s science and environment ministries, the multi-institution project seeks to lift chemical recycling beyond its sub‑1% share and could sharply cut emissions when powered by renewable energy.