Bio-oil Production from Paper Waste and Paper Cups via Pyrolysis: A Sustainable Approach to Waste-to-Energy Conversion

This paper examines the paper waste and disposable paper cup pyrolysis to production of bio-oil which provides a viable waste-to-energy option. Traditional ways of disposal like landfill and incineration cause pollution and emission of greenhouse gases to the Environment. Pyrolysis transforms paper wastes into bio-oil, bio-char and syngas. The quality and bio-oil yield were systematically tested with respect to temperature (400-600°C) and reaction time (10-60 minutes) on the quality of bio-oils. The highest yield of bio-oil of 47.3wt% with a heating value of 24.6 MJ/kg was at optimal conditions (500°C, 20 minutes) comprising phenolic, organic acids, and levoglucosan that could be used in heating and chemical feedstock. The process cuts down the garbage of the landfill by about 66%, encourages renewable energy, and circular economy principles.