Transforming Waste Plastics into Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Technologies, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Abstract

The rapid development of the aviation sector has led to a surge in greenhouse gas emissions, urgently driving the need for sustainable alternative energy sources. Transforming plastic waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a highly promising strategy to tackle two major global challenges: plastic pollution and avian decarbonization. Plastic waste acts as a viable feedstock for fuel production, as its high calorific value and molecular structure closely mirror those of traditional petroleum-based fossil fuel. Several thermochemical approaches such as pyrolysis, catalytic cracking, and hydrothermal liquefaction convert plastic waste into liquid hydrocarbons that can be refined into aviation fuels (Afs). These methods transform long-chain polymers into shorter-chain hydrocarbons, that can consequently be improved to meet the AF specification. Furthermore, lifecycle assessments show that SAF derived from plastic can decrease the release of greenhouse gases while concurrently averting enormous amounts of plastic from landfills and other environments. Yet various challenges such as feedstock collection and assortment, contamination, scalability, and regulatory authorization remain. These challenges can be overcome through integrated approaches, proper plastic waste management, efficient catalysis, and supportive policy frameworks. Overall, transforming plastic waste into SAF correspond drives a circular economy. It repurposes waste, reduces environmental pollution, and significantly increases the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry.