Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new method to recycle polyethylene and polypropylene plastics more efficiently.
Using sodium on alumina and tungsten oxide on silica as catalysts, the process breaks down these polymers into high-demand chemicals: propylene and isobutylene. These gases, used in creating new plastics, synthetic rubber, and gasoline additives, can replace fossil fuel-derived alternatives. The method also works on mixed plastics and contaminants, with consistent results even on a larger scale.
This breakthrough could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel reliance in plastic recycling.