Halocycle

Overview

Halocycle’s microwave-assisted recycling technology converts difficult-to-recycle PVC waste into hydrochloric acid,

 phthalic anhydride, pyrolysis oil and solid outputs.

OBE assessed the pilot plant and recovered products to identify environmental improvements and inform commercial deployment.

Technology and assessment

The LCA covered equipment, infrastructure, use-phase (energy, consumables, maintenance) and end-of-life following ISO 14040, ISO 14044 and ISO 14067 principles.

OBE combined detailed engineering inventories with operational information, benchmarked recovered outputs against conventional production and tested alternative energy supplies and plant utilisation.

Key findings

Electricity during the use-phase was the main emissions driver, followed by the structure and the components part of the technology. Sensitivity modelling identified reductions in the processing footprint:

The scenarios indicated potential for recovered products to approach conventional production benchmarks. Solar integration was also assessed, accounting for the additional equipment’s (panels, structures and electronics) embodied emissions. Using a 40ft container rather than a dedicated building reduces structural emissions and makes the technology modular, opening opportunities to sell or lease production units with an operations and maintenance contract.

Outcome

OBE translated the assessment into practical priorities:

• • Deployment: plan electricity supply and utilization together.

• • Commercial model: explore modular sales or leasing supported by ongoing maintenance to pursue bankability.

• • Process improvement: introduce specialized metering and sensing to target energy-intensive stages.

• • Procurement: obtain better supplier data and refine component replacement assumptions for sustained operation.

The data and analysis provide a strong foundation for business development and fundraising, helping Halocycle substantiate its proposition to customers, commercial partners and investors.