Plastic Waste Converted into Premium Diesel Fuel

Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has introduced a pyrolysis technology called Fastpol that can convert low-value plastic waste into high-quality liquid fuel. The innovation was launched in Wukirsari Village, Imogiri District, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Tuesday (9/6/2026), offering a solution for managing residual plastic waste that is difficult to recycle whilst creating new economic opportunities for communities. The Fastpol technology, developed by BRIN together with several partners, processes various types of residual plastic waste, including multilayer packaging and mixed plastics with no market value. Through a thermochemical decomposition process at temperatures between 250 and 350 degrees Celsius with little or no oxygen, the waste is converted into a liquid fuel called Petasol, which can be used in diesel engines. Heru Susanto, a researcher at BRIN’s Centre for Sustainable Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Research, explained that the process essentially returns plastic, which originates from petroleum, back into fuel. “With this technology, plastic waste that previously had no economic value can be processed into a useful product. One kilogram of residual plastic waste can produce around 0.8 to 0.9 litres of Petasol,” he stated. The processing takes about seven to eight hours, after which the fuel must undergo purification and filtration stages before it is ready for use. Beyond reducing waste accumulation, the technology is considered economically promising due to its relatively low production cost compared to its potential value. Heru noted that the primary focus is handling and reducing low-value plastic waste that typically ends up as residue in integrated waste treatment facilities and waste banks. The resulting fuel serves as an added incentive, encouraging recycling operators and environmental activists to participate because of the economic opportunities it presents, thereby ensuring sustainability. However, Heru stressed that the success of waste processing technology does not rely solely on machinery. Waste sorting at the household level remains a critical factor, as high sorting costs continue to pose a major challenge. He emphasised that collaboration between technology and a sound waste management system is key to the programme’s success. BRIN claims that Petasol’s combustion performance surpasses standard diesel. Edi Hilmawan, Director of Technology Transfer and Audit at BRIN, explained that tests showed Petasol has a cetane number of 51, higher than the typical diesel standard of around 48. “The cetane number is an indicator of combustion quality in diesel fuel. Petasol has a cetane number of 51, so its combustion quality is considered very good,” he said. BRIN is continuing to refine the fuel to ensure all parameters meet applicable standards, including specific gravity and regulatory aspects, though he confirmed it is safe for use in vehicles. Looking ahead, BRIN is open to broader cooperation with local governments, communities, and industry to expand the technology’s application. Bantul Regent Abdul Halim Muslih said the innovation could address two issues at once: waste management and alternative energy provision. He noted that Bantul produces around 600 tonnes of waste daily, with approximately 30 percent being plastic, indicating significant potential for converting waste into fuel. Through collaboration between BRIN, local government, businesses, and the community, Petasol is expected to become a model for integrated waste management that can be replicated in other regions, demonstrating how research commercialisation can deliver real environmental solutions whilst supporting Indonesia’s circular economy.