Polije Students Develop Pyrolysis Machine Turning Plastic Waste into Fuel

A student team from the Automotive Machinery Study Program at Politeknik Negeri Jember (Polije) successfully developed the Fastpol Gen-5 pyrolysis machine. This machine is capable of converting plastic waste into fuel oil comparable in quality to Pertamax.

The innovation, led by Hardian Asep Wijaya with team members Muhammad Gufron Sanusi, M. Aldo Firdaus, and Muhammad Naufal Assadid, offers a creative solution to both environmental and energy problems, addressing challenges relevant to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).

Hardian Asep Wijaya explained the pyrolysis machine’s mechanism, which only requires 8–10 hours to complete the process. He emphasized the machine’s eco-friendly features.

“We use fast pyrolysis technology with the catalytic cracking method and plasma technology that cleans combustion residue, thus preventing pollution and making it safe for the environment,” Hardian explained.

The development of this pyrolysis machine required five years of research, resulting in a significant efficiency increase. Previously, the machine needed 16 hours, but now it requires only 8–10 hours to produce fuel oil (BBM).

This innovation not only produces high-quality fuel but also contributes significantly to reducing plastic waste in the environment. The team aims for the technology to be widely adopted by the public.

“This technology is expected to become an appropriate, economically valuable, environmentally friendly solution, and provide an alternative energy benefit that can be widely used by the community,” Hardian hoped.