PDZ Applications I: Recycling Eco-Node (REN-1) – A Closed-Cycle Catalytic Plastic Depolymerization System with Thermal Inertia and Agricultural Integration

This paper presents the Recycling Eco-Node (REN-1), a modular closed-cycle system for plastic waste transformation based on catalytic depolymerization under controlled thermodynamic conditions. The system integrates a sealed reactor (PRC-Cell), closed gas recirculation, thermal inertia buffering (AICell principle), and agricultural heat reuse. A conservative mass and energy balance is provided for a 5-ton/day module processing polyolefins (PE/PP/PS). The architecture is interpreted through the Potential Differential Zones (PDZ) framework as a controlled gradient regime enabling stable material transformation without open combustion or continuous atmospheric CO₂ emissions under standard operating conditions. The system is technically feasible using existing industrial technologies. Its novelty lies in full-cycle architectural integration and the application of PDZ principles to industrial material flows. This work is part of the PDZ Applications series.