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The 10 Chemical Innovations with the Highest Sustainability Potential

From Plastic to Monomer – Decomposing Plastics Naturally Problem: The environmental impact of plastic waste is growing and growing. Because conventional plastics do not decompose, they persist in the environment for decades or even centuries. Plastic accumulates in the oceans and poses a threat to the health of animals and humans. Goal: Some plastics can already be easily broken down into their monomeric components and reused. Polylactic acid (PLA) can be recycled by heating. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can also be broken down into its building blocks by first splitting it into oligomers with ethylene glycol and then thermally splitting it into monomers. Filters and distillation steps then flow into the monomers. To control the mass of plastic waste, however, even more efficient recycling processes and a better recycling economy are required. Solution: A modern method of recycling is the enzymatic transformation of plastics. At least one bacterial strain of Nocardia can decompose plastic (PET)*. Although these bio recycling processes are still relatively expensive and little researched, they are certainly the more sustainable option in the long term. (Picture: Pixabay/mwewering) arrow back arrow forward Image Zoom
From Plastic to Monomer – Decomposing Plastics Naturally

Problem: The environmental impact of plastic waste is growing and growing. Because conventional plastics do not decompose, they persist in the environment for decades or even centuries. Plastic accumulates in the oceans and poses a threat to the health of animals and humans.

Goal: Some plastics can already be easily broken down into their monomeric components and reused. Polylactic acid (PLA) can be recycled by heating. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) can also be broken down into its building blocks by first splitting it into oligomers with ethylene glycol and then thermally splitting it into monomers. Filters and distillation steps then flow into the monomers. To control the mass of plastic waste, however, even more efficient recycling processes and a better recycling economy are required.

Solution: A modern method of recycling is the enzymatic transformation of plastics. At least one bacterial strain of Nocardia can decompose plastic (PET)*. Although these bio recycling processes are still relatively expensive and little researched, they are certainly the more sustainable option in the long term. (Picture: Pixabay/mwewering)
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