Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: Mobile Plastic Ocean Waste Recycler
EPA Contract Number: 68HERC22C0040Title: Mobile Plastic Ocean Waste Recycler
Investigators: Simpson, Patrick K
Small Business: PKS Consulting, Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023 (Extended to December 31, 2024)
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II (2022) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)
Description:
The Mobile Plastic Upcycling Project addresses the growing challenge of plastic ocean waste (POW) accumulating on global shorelines and in marine environments. Each year, over 8 million metric tons of plastic enter the world's oceans, with Alaska's 33,000-mile coastline disproportionately affected due to its location along major ocean currents. This project takes a comprehensive approach to reduce, repurpose, and upcycle plastic waste, contributing to both environmental sustainability and economic development. Key components of the project include the design and deployment of a Mobile Plastic Ocean Waste Recycler capable of converting POW, post-consumer resins (PCR), and ocean-bound plastic (OBP) into high-value recycled plastic lumber which we call Grizzly Wood. This distributed recycling model enables remote coastal communities to process locally collected plastics, reducing logistical costs, improving recycling rates, and fostering economic resilience.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
During Phase II, the project demonstrated technical, financial, social, and operational viability through several pilot deployments across coastal communities in Alaska. These efforts achieved the following key outcomes:
- Technical Viability: Processed over 82 metric tons of plastic materials, including 22.5 metric tons of POW and end-of-life nets, into recycled plastic lumber.
- Financial Viability: Generated over $160,000 in sales of Grizzly Wood products, validating the commercial potential of the system.
- Social Viability: Engaged communities in beach cleanups, incentivized plastic collection, and demonstrated the environmental and economic value of local recycling.
- Operational Viability: Successfully deployed and operated the system in multiple communities, showcasing its mobility and scalability.
Conclusions:
Innovation and Impact. The project’s innovations include the adaptation of mobile recycling technology, the development of durable and versatile products, and the integration of advanced materials to enhance performance. In the near future we will be incorporating locally available additives like hemp, coal ash, and wood fibers, to improve the mechanical properties of its products while aligning with Alaska’s abundant natural resources.
Future Potential. Building on its success, the project envisions expanding to include:
- Grizzly Bricks for construction and landscaping applications, utilizing recycled PET and glass.
- Enhanced material properties through innovative additives to improve durability and reduce costs.
- Increased geographic deployment to address POW challenges globally, starting with additional remote and underserved communities.
With over $2.2 million in non-dilutive funding and strong partnerships across federal, state, and private entities, the Mobile Plastic Upcycling Project exemplifies a sustainable, scalable, and community-driven solution to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
SBIR Phase I:
Mobile Plastic Ocean Waste Recycler | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.