KARLSRUHE, Germany—Chemical recycling of mixed plastic waste is both technically feasible and environmentally and financially promising, according to new research from Audi and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

The researchers have invented a way to turn mixed plastic waste from automotive manufacturing into pyrolysis oil, which could replace petroleum as a raw material for the production of new plastic parts for cars. Together with partners from the chemical industry and KIT, Audi is now researching ways to industrialize the recycling process.