Politecnico di Milano develops sustainable waste oil recycling

Researchers at the Politecnico di Milano are leading an innovative project called WORLD, which focuses on recycling used vegetable oil. This project aims to create a sustainable process to convert waste oil into valuable products. Every year, Europe generates around 4 million metric tons of used vegetable oil. If this waste is not disposed of correctly, it can harm the environment. The WORLD project seeks to improve the treatment of this waste and produce high-quality materials that can be used for various applications, such as bio-lubricants and air purification devices. The project's approach includes raising awareness about proper waste oil collection. This can help lower public costs related to improper disposal and mitigate environmental damage. A life cycle analysis will also be conducted to identify the best strategies to reduce ecological, economic, and social impacts. Currently, the recycling of waste vegetable oil relies on basic methods like decantation and filtration. Researchers are exploring better techniques using bentonite treatment and water washing. Initial tests show that washing with water at 75°C and a pH of 6 leads to improved efficiency and less environmental impact. The researchers have developed a model that predicts CO2 emissions based on different recycling processes. This model aims to help the industry optimize operations to meet environmental standards. Overall, the WORLD project represents a significant advancement towards a more sustainable circular economy. It embraces green chemistry principles and offers new opportunities for efficient recycling practices.