The future of recycling? Scientists develop a method to convert waste plastics into JET FUEL in less than an hour Washington State University experts are looking to commercialise their method It converts polyethylene to jet fuel and other valuable hydrocarbon products Polyethylene, used in plastic bottles, is the most widely used plastic in the world … Read more
Microplastics are plastic particles measuring less than five millimetres (0.2 inches). They have hit the headlines over recent years, as improper disposal has resulted in tonnes of waste making its way into the ocean. Each year, tonnes of plastic waste fails to get recycled and dealt with correctly, which can mean they end up in … Read more
Scientists have discovered a process to break hard-to-recycle plastics into ready-to-use fuel. The procedure combines two materials found in common household products to break down the plastic over just a few hours. After the catalysts break the plastic into carbon molecules, hydrogen molecules are added to stabilize the results for use as jet and diesel … Read more
The first truly biodegradable plastics that break down in just a few weeks when exposed to heat and water have been developed by scientists. Most so-called ‘compostable’ plastics today are made of a polyester called polylactic acid, or PLA, and don’t actually breakdown during typical composting. As a result, they often end up disposed of in landfills … Read more
Plastics submerged in water for just two weeks can be 10 TIMES more damaging to wildlife than ‘new’ plastic, study finds Researchers left microplastic particles in different types of water for a month They then exposed those submerged particles to mouse cells to study issues They found microplastics in the seas and lakes form a … Read more
Researchers identify 13-million-year-old bacteria in permafrost samples collected in the Swiss Alps, which could be used in bioreactors to break down plastic waste Swiss researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria in the Swiss Alps It was found in permafrost samples and is believed to be 13million years old The team describes permafrost as … Read more
Researchers identify 13-million-year-old bacteria in permafrost samples collected in the Swiss Alps, which could be used in bioreactors to break down plastic waste Swiss researchers have discovered a new species of bacteria in the Swiss Alps It was found in permafrost samples and is believed to be 13million years old The team describes permafrost as … Read more