Plastic waste has long been a pressing environmental crisis, but what if it could be turned into a valuable energy source? That’s exactly what Prof. Dr. Hendro Juwono, the 212th professor at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), has been working on. His groundbreaking research on plastic degradation using biomass to produce biofuel could be a game-changer in the fight against pollution and the global energy crisis.

A Visionary Approach to Plastic Waste
Prof. Hendro explains that plastics, derived from non-renewable sources, share similar chemical structures with fossil fuels like petroleum and natural gas. This realization led him to explore an innovative pyrolysis method—a high-temperature process that breaks down plastic polymers into fuel components.

His research revealed a surprising breakthrough: the resulting biofuel boasts a Research Octane Number (RON) of 98 to 102, surpassing the quality of commercially available gasoline. This means that plastic waste, often seen as an environmental menace, holds immense potential as a high-performance fuel source.

The Challenge: High Energy Consumption
Despite its promise, the pyrolysis process has its limitations. Converting plastic waste into gasoline requires temperatures as high as 400 degrees Celsius, demanding significant electrical energy. However, Prof. Hendro found a cost-effective and energy-efficient solution—by blending plastic waste with biomass sources like nyamplung oil, Crude Palm Oil (CPO), and Waste Cooking Oil (WCO), the process could be conducted at a much lower 300 degrees Celsius.

This breakthrough reduces energy consumption, making the method more sustainable and economically feasible. The combination of biomass and plastic waste not only addresses the plastic pollution crisis but also offers a new alternative fuel that could disrupt the energy industry.

A Step Toward a Greener Future
Prof. Hendro’s research doesn’t just propose a theoretical solution—it presents a real, actionable step toward a circular economy where waste materials are repurposed into valuable resources. His work could inspire future innovations in renewable energy and waste management, proving that sustainability and progress can go hand in hand.

With the right support and further development, this pioneering technology could reshape how we view plastic waste—not as an environmental burden, but as an untapped resource for clean energy.