Caris Inc. unveils the CarisMatic Generator, a device designed to transform plastic waste into emission-free electricity, addressing environmental sustainability and energy needs.
The issue of plastic waste continues to escalate, posing significant challenges to environmental sustainability, while the demand for renewable and clean energy sources rises concurrently. These dual problems have spurred innovation, with various research initiatives aimed at finding effective solutions. One such initiative recently gained attention in Merced, California, where a novel device was unveiled by Caris Inc. that tackles both issues simultaneously.
Dan Caris, CEO of Caris Inc., presented the prototype of the CarisMatic Generator, a transformative device engineered to convert plastic waste into emission-free electricity. The invention aligns with concerns raised in the OECD’s World Plastics Outlook report, which indicated a surge in global plastic production, with rates climbing from 180 million tons in the early 2000s to over 350 million tons in recent years.
The CarisMatic Generator is described as an “electrochemical, thermal, and mechanical system” that efficiently processes plastic waste. The device first breaks down the plastic into a fine powder, which is then heated to extreme temperatures within a ceramic chamber. This process transforms the powdered plastic into a cloud of material that generates steam, subsequently powering a turbine to produce electricity. Caris emphasised the generator’s unique capability to mitigate harmful emissions, akin to advancements in automotive exhaust systems.
In a detailed presentation, Susan Savage, Vice President of Caris Inc., highlighted the exclusive nature of this energy solution. She remarked, “The only thing this machine runs on is plastic waste, making it unlike any other power system out there.” Savage also noted the versatility of the generator, stating that it can manage all forms of plastic, regardless of cleanliness, addressing a significant portion of the plastic waste crisis.
Caris pointed out the Pacific Gyre, the largest accumulation of plastic waste in the ocean, which is estimated to be twice the size of Texas. Efforts to retrieve plastics from such accumulations often lead to further landfill disposal, perpetuating environmental harm. Each year, around 18 billion tons of various plastics make their way into oceans worldwide, a troubling statistic reported by the National Geographic Society that underscores the urgency of addressing plastic waste.
To broaden their impact, Caris Inc. has established a new non-profit division called Caris Cares, aimed at collaborating with non-profit organisations and environmental groups that collect plastic waste. Profits from the sale of this waste will be used to facilitate the distribution of CarisMatic Generators, particularly in regions facing energy shortages, low-income housing, and underserved communities globally.
In terms of practicality, the CarisMatic Generator resembles a standard household refrigerator in size and is expected to be priced similarly to conventional home heating and cooling systems. Plans are also underway to develop a compact version of the generator, tailored to power electric vehicles. This innovation represents a promising step towards reducing reliance on traditional batteries, which are often costly and associated with environmentally damaging mining processes for rare-earth materials.
