New cleaner, safer, and more sustainable technique gives plastic recycling a breath of fresh air
Northwestern University chemists have developed a simple, solvent-free method to break down PET plastic using an inexpensive catalyst and moisture from ambient air. The process efficiently converts PET into monomer building blocks, which can be recycled into new products or upcycled into higher-value materials. Unlike traditional plastic recycling methods that require harsh conditions and produce toxic byproducts, this technique is cleaner, safer, and more sustainable. In experiments, the method recovered 94% of monomers within four hours. It selectively targets polyester plastics, eliminating the need for sorting. Researchers now aim to scale up the process for industrial use, offering a promising step toward reducing plastic pollution and advancing a circular economy. The study, published in Green Chemistry, highlights the potential of innovative chemistry in addressing global environmental challenges. Learn more about this study.
Image source: Pexels.