BRIN Prepares Nuclear Breakthrough for Plastic Recycling, Targeting Commercialization by 2027

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) continues to make strides in utilizing nuclear technology for plastic waste recycling. With support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastic) initiative, BRIN aims to commercialize this technology by 2027.

Acting Deputy for Development Policy at BRIN, Anugerah Widiyanto, explained that this joint research project is currently in its second phase and is expected to be completed by 2025. "The ultimate goal is commercialization so that its benefits can be widely realized," he stated in Jakarta on Monday.

Head of the Center for Research on Radioisotope Technology, Radiopharmaceuticals, and Biodosimetry at BRIN, Tita Puspitasari, added that the project has reached Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 and is targeted to reach TRL 7 by 2027—an important step before entering large-scale industrial production. One of the key products from this research is compatibilizer, an essential material in the composite plastic industry that ensures better material mixing.

Interestingly, BRIN's compatibilizer is developed from plastic waste, adding value to the recycling process. "Conventional compatibilizers are typically chemical-based and account for about 30 percent of the total cost of composite plastic production. With this innovation, we can replace them with recycled materials that are more environmentally friendly," Tita explained.

Head of BRIN’s Nuclear Energy Research Organization, Syaiful Bakhri, emphasized that this initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce plastic waste through sustainable means. "With this technology, plastic waste will not just end up in landfills, but can be repurposed into other valuable components," he said.

Through this research, BRIN hopes to introduce an innovative solution that not only addresses plastic waste issues but also creates new opportunities in a more sustainable circular economy.