This new reactor system converts plastic waste into sustainable jet fuel with promising economics

Researchers in China have developed a two-stage reactor system that converts plastic waste into jet fuel at a projected cost of $1.00–$1.80 per kilogram — nearly matching conventional fossil jet fuel prices. The system uses a specially designed ruthenium catalyst that outperforms commercial alternatives by over 100 times, producing high-quality cycloalkane-rich fuel. As airlines struggle to decarbonize, this plastic-to-fuel approach offers a promising, price-competitive alternative.