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PlasticsDecoded aims to process mixed plastic waste with molten‑salt pyrolysis, files patent and seeks pilot partners
Summary
PlasticsDecoded described a molten‑salt fluidized‑bed pyrolysis process intended to convert mixed plastic waste into hydrocarbons without extensive sorting; the presenter said a patent was filed and an NSF grant was submitted for testing at Sandia National Labs.
PlasticsDecoded pitched a molten‑salt fluidized‑bed pyrolysis process at the Southwest Regional Quick Pitch 2025 in Wildomar, describing a system the presenter said can tolerate mixed plastics and reduce the need for pre-sorting.
The presenter described molten salt as a dense, nonreactive heat transfer medium that sinks contaminants and enables more efficient thermal processing than traditional metal‑drum pyrolysis. "We're currently working with USPTO to add an additional set of plans that will comprise the process portion of that," the presenter said, referring to patent work, and added that an NSF grant application had been submitted to enable testing at Sandia National Labs.
The team asked judges for introductions to Riverside County recyclers and municipal partners for a pilot deployment. Judges raised questions about regulatory permitting, community siting concerns and the need for third‑party validation; the presenter said a Sandia test would help reduce prototype risk before any local pilot.
PlasticsDecoded described the work as early stage: claims about efficiency and feedstock flexibility rest on planned tests and the patent filing, which should be verified independently before drawing conclusions about environmental or economic benefits.
