Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a groundbreaking technique to use plastic waste to make more plastic to reduce plastic waste.
The process, led by UC Berkeley Professor of Chemistry John Hartwig, uses an innovative process to break down the plastic chain into raw materials.
The raw materials can be reused in the chemical industry to make plastic, thus creating a true circular economy.
Reducing Plastic To Building Blocks
According to the researchers, the catalytic processes can transform polyethylene and polypropylene—two of the most common plastics—back into their original building blocks.
The first catalyst cuts the long chains of the plastic, leaving them with open ends that can react.
The second catalyst then breaks down these chains completely by repeatedly exposing the open ends to propylene, propene, and isobutylene gas.
These materials are essential in producing a wide range of products, from clothing and bottles to high-octane aviation fuel.
