Plastic Pollution to Renewable Energy: Scientists Find Solar-Powered Solution

While mechanical recycling can result in inconsistent quality products, chemical recycling, where additives are used to alter the chemical structure of waste plastic, has been criticized by environmental groups as costly and inefficient. However, Professor Reisner and his team at the University of Cambridge have developed a solar-powered process that can convert both plastic and CO2 waste streams into two chemical products at the same time. The technology transforms CO2 and plastic into syngas, a key component of sustainable fuels like hydrogen, and glycolic acid, widely used in the cosmetics industry, all powered by sunlight.

In addition, Professor Reisner’s system can handle otherwise unrecyclable plastic waste, making it an attractive option for sustainable plastic waste management. Similarly, researchers at the University of Portsmouth are developing enzymes that can break down all varieties of PET, the most widely used clothing fiber in the world. These enzymes can break down plastic in a similar way to chemical recycling, but using benign conditions and water instead of chemicals.

In conclusion, while plastic waste presents a significant challenge, advances in technology and research are providing promising solutions for breaking down plastic waste and creating a sustainable circular economy for plastic-based products.