Published in January 2026, the Plastic on Fire investigation examined chemical recycling projects in Europe and the United States. It found that several operating plants were burning plastic-derived pyrolysis oil as fuel rather than converting it back into new plastics. The investigation also highlighted technical limitations of pyrolysis oil, including contaminants, corrosion risks and the need for extensive upgrading before the material can be used at significant levels in conventional steam crackers.
Source
https://investigativejournalismforeu.net/projects/plastic-on-fire/