Evonik launches a full range of Purocel™ products and catalyst technologies to improve the quality of pyrolysis oil

Recently, Evonik announced the launch of a full range of Purocel™ products and catalyst technologies to improve the quality of pyrolysis oil and promote the circular utilization of plastics. This includes innovative Purocel™ adsorbents (505, 510, and 515), regeneration hydrotreating catalysts, and a modular refining unit (named Rocket).

Pyrolysis oil, derived from plastic waste, needs to be upgraded and purified before it can be used as feedstock for steam crackers or refineries. Evonik's latest offerings can reduce chlorides, silicon, TAN, and other substances.

Nirav Shah, Global Director of Evonik’s Catalyst Business (EPC/Licensing, Re-refining/Recycling), stated: "Removing organic chlorides from pyrolysis oil has historically been a challenging issue for the circular plastics industry. Evonik is committed to continuous innovation to provide responsive solutions."

Max Preisenberger, Head of Evonik’s Catalyst Business, said: "We are excited to bring this development to market, improving the circularity of the plastics industry and providing greater sustainability benefits to refineries and petrochemical companies. Our latest generation of adsorbents and catalysts means that pyrolysis oil can meet the most stringent purification specifications, thus opening up new applications."

Purocel™ 505 removes chlorides at three times the rate of traditional organic chloride adsorbents and can be used in various pyrolysis oil fractions. Purocel™ 510 is regenerable, enhancing circularity; Purocel™ 515 aids in the refining of pyrolysis oil and gas.

Evonik’s broader portfolio of pyrolysis oil products includes Purocel™ hydrotreating catalysts for the main catalytic bed: Purocel® H100, H200, H300, and H400. These catalysts can remove metals and organic chlorides and reduce olefins and aromatics, with performance comparable to new catalysts. They can be regenerated and reused to support sustainability while also saving costs.

The refining unit for pretreating pyrolysis oil feedstock is also part of the solution. This technology, known as "Rocket," uses skid-mounted installation, combining customized adsorbents and optimized fluid dynamics to enhance purification performance. The complete modular skid can be modified according to customer requirements.

Evonik’s expanding portfolio of Purocel™ adsorbents and catalysts, along with the accompanying pyrolysis oil technologies, drives chemical recycling and helps convert plastic waste into usable products. It diverts potential landfill waste and allows for the use of alternative feedstocks to replace fossil-based ones—thus achieving greater sustainability benefits.