Mexican startup turns plastic pollution into valuable fuel

In Boca del Río, Mexico, a startup named Petgas is tackling the critical issue of plastic pollution found in the Gulf of Mexico. This region is known for one of the highest concentrations of plastic waste globally. The startup aims to convert plastic waste into fuel using an innovative technique called pyrolysis. This process involves heating plastics in an oxygen-free environment, resulting in the creation of fuels such as gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and paraffin. Currently, Petgas can process 1.5 tons of plastic waste per week, yielding approximately 365 gallons of fuel. To gather the necessary materials for this crucial process, Petgas actively organizes collection drives aimed at cleaning local beaches, encouraging residents to drop off their plastic waste at designated sites. The company receives most of its plastic from a licensed recycler, ensuring that the materials are clean and ready for conversion. The process not only reduces waste but also creates a resource that can be beneficial to the community. The fuel generated is currently donated to support local fire departments and food delivery services. Petgas's mission is rooted in a vision of a circular economy, where plastic that is typically discarded is instead transformed into valuable energy resources. Carlos Parraguirre Díaz, the Chief Technology Officer at Petgas, highlights the importance of this initiative, explaining that it’s a way to repurpose waste and provide hydrocarbons that can aid the local economy. However, experts like biologist Alexa Mendoza caution that while such technology represents a step forward, it alone cannot solve the larger issue of plastic pollution. They suggest that integrating scientific guidance is essential to developing effective solutions rather than implementing temporary fixes. As global plastic production continues to rise, with projections suggesting a 70% increase by 2040 without substantial policy changes, the need for innovative approaches like those from Petgas becomes even more pressing. Acknowledging that every day approximately 2,000 loads of garbage trucks full of plastic are discarded into oceans and waterways, Petgas stands in the spotlight as a beacon of hope in addressing some of these concerns. The company's efforts to mitigate plastic waste while providing an alternative energy source could serve as an important model for sustainable practices across regions grappling with similar pollution issues.