Handerek Technologies : Transforming Non-Recyclable Plastic into Valuable Resources

Handerek Technologies : Transforming Non-Recyclable Plastic into Valuable Resources

Plastic waste continues to pose a major global environmental challenge, with large volumes still ending up in landfills or the natural environment. While mechanical recycling can recover certain materials, many mixed or contaminated plastics are difficult or economically unviable to process using conventional methods. As a result, new technologies are emerging that aim to recover value from these waste streams and integrate them into a circular economy. Handerek Technologies, a Polish cleantech company, develops chemical recycling solutions designed to convert non-recyclable plastic waste into liquid hydrocarbons. These outputs can potentially be used as feedstock for new plastics or as fuel components, depending on downstream processing and regulatory classification. By focusing on waste streams that are typically discarded, the company aims to reduce landfill volumes and create new resource pathways from existing materials.

Technology and Product

Handerek Technologies’ solution is based on a patented chemical recycling process that converts mixed polyolefin plastic waste into liquid hydrocarbons. The process includes pre-treatment, depolymerisation, hydrogenation, and fractionation, breaking polymer chains down into usable fuel fractions such as diesel, naphtha, and jet fuel components. Designed to operate continuously under atmospheric pressure, the system can process unwashed plastic waste with high efficiency. The resulting products can be used as feedstock for recycled plastics or blended with conventional fuels, enabling integration into existing petrochemical and energy systems.

Sampling liquid hydrocarbon output during the plastic-to-fuel conversion process. (© Handerek Technologies)

Industrial Fit and Applications

Chemical recycling technologies are gaining attention as a complement to mechanical recycling in addressing hard-to-recycle plastic waste. Handerek Technologies focuses on waste streams such as mixed polyolefins that are typically incinerated or landfilled. The technology enables the production of liquid hydrocarbons that can be used in petrochemical processes or as fuel components. Potential applications include integration into waste management infrastructure, local recycling facilities, and industrial production systems. By converting waste into usable outputs, the approach supports circular economy strategies and may help reduce reliance on virgin fossil resources.

Pilot-scale installation for chemical recycling of plastic waste into liquid hydrocarbons. (© Handerek Technologies)

Founding Team

Handerek Technologies was founded in 2018 by Adam Hańderek and Susan Kim-Chomicka to commercialise over a decade of research in plastic waste conversion. Hańderek, an inventor and scientist with more than 30 years of experience, leads technology development as CTO, while Kim-Chomicka serves as CEO with a background in international business and finance.