Manufacturing SAF from Waste Plastics and Renewable Energy

This project aims to advance the production of Recycled Carbon Fuels from non-recyclable plastic waste and renewable electricity using UCL’s novel Catalytic Hydro-Depolymerisation technology

Project Summary

This project aims to advance the production of Recycled Carbon Fuels (RCFs), including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), from non-recyclable plastic waste and renewable electricity using UCL’s novel Catalytic Hydro-Depolymerisation (CART) technology. Recently included under the UK’s Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), RCFs offer a critical solution for decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors like aviation. Developed over a decade at UCL Chemical Engineering, CART converts waste into hydrogen-rich gas and clean oil, enabling local, low-carbon fuel production. The project, in collaboration with The Bartlett, UCL Centre for Sustainable Aviation, and UCL Innovation & Engagement, will deliver a Technology Demonstration Pilot (TDP) to validate a modular, mobile 250kg/day platform. This will support process optimisation, economic modelling, and stakeholder engagement. With an estimated 60–70% lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels, the project lays the foundation for a UK-based RCF enterprise, accelerating the transition to a Circular Energy Economy and sustainable aviation.