Who wouldn’t want to get rid of plastics—an integral part of human lives—so that it doesn’t clog drains or cause pollution. A Kolkata-based startup converts waste plastic into fuel oil! Whereas the innovation removes harmful plastics from the environment, it results in a pollution-free method of producing oil—non-renewable resources that are depleting fast.
The IdeaConvert waste plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) into fuel oil without polluting the environment. “We realized plastic bags are a necessity these days. No sanctions or restrictions can limit their use. However, we can recycle them or use them so that it does not harm the environment. We have produced diesel from plastics that has around 10,000 calorific value, close to diesel obtained from petroleum,” said Samir Kumar Neogi, Managing Director, Neogi Technologies.
The InnovationThe startup’s waste plastic oil technology is an integrated system of producing energy from waste material. This produces biodiesel which is at par with IS 1593 - 1982 specification (BIS) for fuel oil. The startup has successfully demonstrated the process to extract 1 litre of fuel oil from 1 kg of waste plastic at various exhibitions across the country.
A commercial prototype for using 5 kg of raw material is available. Further research and development (R&D) has been planned to economize input energy.
“Besides introducing innovative technologies, we are looking at other ways to reduce carbon footprint. We are introducing mobile diesel dispensers which would control pollution by taking diesel to big units and thus preventing fuel loss during commutation to and from gas stations,” added Neogi.
The Impact• The innovation rids the environment of plastic pollution
• This is a new and viable addition to the alternative energy mix
• The innovation lowers SO2 (sulphur dioxide) content than conventional fuel
When questioned how else he proposes to reduce carbon footprint, he replied: “As an organization we are concerned about the environment and have adopted a number of measures to keep environment clean. Around 90% of our employees use bicycles to attend work. We also plan to be 100% solar operated. We have a water harvesting mechanism too for our daily needs,” he said.
Neogi Technologies is among a growing number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that are dedicatedly developing environmentally safe and clean technology that have been harnessing as alternative sources of energy as solar power, wind energy, sea waves, even human body energy and building a range of products such as efficient solar panels or creating clean biofuels. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is working with such startups and SMEs through a program called Cleanovators.
Columnist
Muqbil Ahmar writes on culture and poetry. He is a writer and theater activist, who wants to bring about harmony and amicability in the present day society. Music, poetry and good food are his passions.
