Scientists claim breakthrough in recyclability of plastics: video

Scientists from IBM and Stanford University have written in the American Chemical Society journal about a technology that “reverses the polymerisation process” to regenerate monomers in their original state.

The researchers said that while plastics were recyclable a lot of collected material was limited to “second-generation use” that meant a lot was still sent to landfill. Their breakthrough could lead to a new recycling process that significantly reduces waste and pollution.

IBM is currently working with the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia to develop a process for recycling PET.

The technology uses organocatalysts and can be used in the development of “well-defined, biodegradable molecules made from renewable resources”.

IBM Fellow Josephine Cheng said: “The development of organic catalysts brings more versatility to green chemistry and opens the door for novel applications, such as making biodegradable plastics and improving the recycling process.”

For more on the technology, click on the video below.

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