UNDIP, Batang (8/7) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), in collaboration with its industry partner, has officially launched a priority strategic program entitled “Catalytic Pyrolysis Technology for Converting Non-Organic Waste into Fuel to Support Low-Carbon Energy Transition in Industry.” This jointly funded collaborative research initiative has been underway since March 2026 in Batang Regency, Central Java.
This large-scale program brings together researchers from the Department of Chemical Engineering at UNDIP and experienced practitioners from the waste management industry. The intensive partnership is designed to address two major global challenges: the growing accumulation of plastic waste and the ongoing fossil energy crisis. Through this initiative, both parties are committed to creating tangible synergy between university laboratory research and industrial-scale implementation.
Synergy and Innovation in Catalytic Pyrolysis Technology
The urgency of this program stems from the increasing volume of mixed non-organic plastic waste, which is difficult to decompose and continues to pollute the environment. At the same time, industries are being urged to accelerate their transition toward cleaner, low-carbon energy sources. To address these challenges, a complementary and well-structured division of responsibilities has been established.
Universitas Diponegoro serves as the primary technology developer, responsible for the technical design of the pyrolysis reactor, the synthesis of zeolite-based catalysts, and comprehensive chemical analysis of product quality using GC-MS and GC-DHA methods. Meanwhile, the industrial partner, PT Dahana Solusi Inovasi, acts as the field implementer by providing warehouse facilities, shredding equipment, plastic waste feedstock, as well as financial and in-kind support.
Prof. Didi Dwi Anggoro, Head of the Research Team at Universitas Diponegoro, expressed strong optimism regarding this strategic project:
“Our collaboration with industry partners in Batang serves as a crucial bridge to bring academic research beyond the laboratory and into industrial reality. The development process began with upgrading a 50-kilogram-scale pyrolysis unit to a 100-kilogram system, while improving the condensation process and testing liquid products according to ASTM standards. By transforming the reactor design from a static to a rotary system, we significantly increased combustion efficiency and thermal conversion performance. We aim to achieve a pyrolysis oil yield of 50–70% during the initial phase and increase it to 75% in the second year, ensuring that the resulting liquid fuel is stable and commercially viable as an alternative energy source. This represents a concrete contribution from academia toward strengthening national energy security.”
Tangible Benefits for the Environment and Society
The implementation of catalytic pyrolysis technology is expected to generate significant and sustainable benefits for both the environment and local communities. From an ecological perspective, the pilot-scale reactor will help reduce tons of mixed plastic waste that would otherwise end up in landfills or threaten local ecosystems. Local communities are also expected to benefit economically and socially through the creation of new employment opportunities, ranging from waste collection, sorting, and shredding to daily plant operation activities.
Agni Sakti, Director of PT Dahana Solusi Inovasi, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“As an industry partner, we are proud and excited to be part of this strategic project with Universitas Diponegoro. For us, this collaboration is not merely research on paper but a practical solution that directly addresses industrial needs for sustainable non-organic waste management. The transition to a rotary reactor design, which was jointly developed with the research team, has proven far more effective for processing plastic materials in real-world conditions. Moving forward, we hope to commercialize this technology at larger capacities, including one-ton-scale operations. We are ready to become an early adopter and help bring catalytic pyrolysis innovation to a broader market.”
Beyond reducing environmental pollution, converting waste into liquid fuels equivalent to gasoline and diesel provides a more affordable energy alternative for local industries. This can help lower production costs while reducing regional carbon emissions. Furthermore, by reusing reaction gases as an internal energy source for the reactor, the system embraces circular economy principles, maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing secondary waste generation.
Contributing to the SDGs and Advancing the University’s Vision
This strategic collaboration between UNDIP and its industry partner represents a concrete contribution toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project directly supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through the production of low-carbon pyrolysis oil as an alternative fuel source. It also contributes to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by advancing the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from laboratory-scale research to TRL 8, representing a pre-commercial system ready for industrial application.
The project’s impact on waste management aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the implementation of circular economy-based plastic waste management. In addition, the collaboration exemplifies SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering strong cooperation between higher education institutions and industry. Through the successful development of an applicable, economically valuable, and environmentally friendly pyrolysis technology, Universitas Diponegoro reaffirms its commitment to serving the nation. This entire research downstreaming initiative embodies and amplifies the university’s guiding spirit, “Noble and Valuable UNDIP.” (Public Communication/UNDIP)
