UC Berkeley Develops Process to Recycle Plastic Waste into New Materials
New catalytic method transforms polyethylene and polypropylene into reusable hydrocarbon building blocks, potentially revolutionizing plastic recycling.
Overview
- The process efficiently converts mixed plastic waste into hydrocarbon gases for new plastic production.
- It targets the two most common post-consumer plastics: polyethylene and polypropylene.
- The method uses affordable, solid catalysts for continuous flow processes, making it scalable.
- This innovation could significantly reduce plastic waste and dependence on fossil fuels.
- Researchers published their findings in the journal Science on August 29, 2024.