Articles tagged with Recycling
A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Sandia National Laboratories has developed a simple method for breaking down durable plastics that currently have no practical recycling method. The approach uses less energy and produces less waste than incineration, while allowing for the full recovery of valuable fibers.
The Urban Mining Screener tool helps assess the potential resources within existing buildings, enabling recycling, reuse, and more accurate planning of building material flows. By analyzing geodata and building archetypes, the tool estimates materials used in buildings, providing valuable information for demolition contractors, manufac...
A study developed a design framework incorporating terahertz sensing into plastic packaging design to improve material identifiability. The researchers created prototype soba containers with a balance between identification performance and practical use, while maintaining usability and transport efficiency.
The YouRban project developed a mobile plant for treating composite waste, with promising applications in on-demand services for companies and major events, as well as logistics in remote areas. The truck's versatility and transparency facilitate public awareness and participation.
A new enzyme, named Pac-Man enzyme, has been discovered in bacteria that can break down certain polyesters and bioplastics, providing a potential solution to plastic pollution. This discovery suggests that microorganisms can adapt to plastic degradation more rapidly than previously thought, offering a turning point in the plastisphere.
A new study from the University of Mississippi and Texas A&M University demonstrates a simpler, lower-cost way to produce carbon-recycling catalysts at larger scales, addressing a major barrier to commercial adoption. The new catalyst could reduce the cost of recycling to $145 per ton, some $255 below the current market price.
A team of scientists has developed a technology to turn plastic and agricultural waste into edible proteins and flavoring molecules using microbes. The researchers have created a treat from trash called µBites, which are safe to eat and have received high marks on aroma.
A Heidelberg research team designs a polymer material that can be disassembled into its individual components without compromising precision, quality, or mechanical stability. The material can be broken down into its molecular building blocks within seconds and can be recovered and reused, enabling a circular manufacturing process.
Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed a novel polymer that can be heated to 90°C, turning it into a gas, which then spontaneously reforms into the original polymer. This breakthrough could simplify polymer processing and recycling, eliminating complex steps.
A new study finds that the world's growing solar panel waste could deliver significant economic benefits if recycled properly. Researchers estimate that global PV waste will reach 297-402 million tonnes by 2060, containing valuable materials like silicon and metals.
Researchers at Virginia Tech develop process to strip chlorine from PVC and produce synthetic lubricant-based oils. The new method converts discarded PVC into a key lubricant ingredient, offering a potential solution to two environmental challenges: recycling difficult-to-process plastics and producing valuable industrial materials.
Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a catalytic process to transform carbon dioxide into recyclable, high-performance materials. These new materials can replace today's plastics in many situations and feature sought-after characteristics such as high mechanical strength and flexibility. The foundational building blo...
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method to restore the mechanical strength of degraded polybutylene terephthalate by repairing molecular chains with a chain extender. The technique recovers plastic tensile strength to nearly that of virgin material, enabling high-performance plastics to be reused instead of discarded.
Researchers have created a new, recyclable yarn that mimics the properties of spandex-based yarns, offering an alternative to non-recyclable stretchy garments. The yarn is made from a form of plastic and can be melted down and reused multiple times without losing its strength and flexibility.
An international team of scientists developed a novel, catalyst-free plastic recycling process that uses only water and oxygen to convert various types of plastic waste into high-value organic acids. The method achieved near-complete conversion with minimal environmental impact.
A team of researchers has developed a new chemical approach that converts a mixture of the three most common plastics directly into high-purity hydrogen fuel at temperatures far below conventional gasification. The process locks carbon dioxide away as a solid mineral without releasing the greenhouse gas into the atmosphere.
TREASURES initiative builds on NUS CDE research strengths in environmental resilience and waste-to-resource technologies. The centre will support practical solutions for complex waste streams, transforming Semakau Landfill into a hub for resource recovery and reuse.
Japanese researchers have developed a catalyst that selectively degrades polyurethane in mixed plastic waste, allowing for the separation and chemical recycling of complex materials. The breakthrough opens up new possibilities for waste management, particularly in industries such as end-of-life vehicle recycling and mattress disposal.
Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University developed biobased poly(ester amide)s with superior mechanical properties, outperforming conventional polymers like polyethylene and polypropylene. These materials are derived from non-edible renewable resources and can be easily chemically recycled.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new food preservation solution using pumpkin peel, creating a nanomaterial that slows deterioration of fruit and reduce transport damage. The material showed good biocompatibility and was effective in suppressing microbial growth and preserving freshness.
Researchers at Newcastle University have demonstrated that attaching discarded plastic bottles to fishing nets can reduce dolphin bycatch by 88%, while fish catch remains the same. The study found that plastic bottles act as sound reflectors, helping dolphins detect and avoid the nets.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a safer metal recycling method for the battery industry using renewable biomass, reducing the risk of fire and hazardous substance exposure. The new method performs just as well as conventional processes in extracting important metals.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have successfully demonstrated a scalable approach to solar-powered plastic recycling, converting plastic waste into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals in outdoor conditions. The technology uses a simple spray-coating method to produce photocatalyst materials and reactors ...
A new UN report details the environmental costs of artificial intelligence, including its burgeoning electricity use, carbon emissions, water footprint, and land occupation. The investigation finds that AI's expansion involves significant energy consumption, leading to substantial CO2, water, and land footprints.
A recent study reveals that nearly half of every T-shirt goes to waste before it's even produced, highlighting the need for a more circular approach to fashion. The research found that only 17% of original fibers in a new T-shirt can be recycled globally.
The University of Manchester is developing new technologies to recover valuable materials from hard-to-recycle waste, including disposable vapes and cars. The project aims to break down these materials at a molecular level and recover valuable components that can be reused.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute develop a one-step molten salt upcycling process to transform spent nickel cathodes into high-performance materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. This approach reduces recycling costs and energy demands while increasing the value of recovered materials.
Researchers at Yokohama National University developed a new recyclable resin that can be reused multiple times without losing quality. The resin uses reversible photodimerization to form bonds that can be broken and re-formed, enabling high-precision stereolithography.
Researchers at Newcastle University have created an electrically conductive, water-based reversible adhesive that can join electronic components and allow for their reuse or recycling. This technology has the potential to address the massive problem of e-waste globally.
Researchers at TUM have developed a sorting process to extract recyclable plastics from end-of-life vehicle residues, producing materials that can be reused in new vehicles. The process shows promise in meeting EU quotas and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The HARMONY project has achieved a significant milestone by processing recycled neodymium-iron-boron powder into functional magnet components. The process enables the production of high-quality magnets using industrially relevant methods, reducing dependence on primary raw materials.
Researchers developed a heat-tolerant cutinase enzyme that combines structural rigidity with flexibility, enabling efficient degradation of PET at high temperatures. This discovery provides new insights into designing enzymes for sustainable plastic recycling and addresses the pressing issue of plastic waste.
Researchers have developed a water-soluble cellulose ethyl phosphite (CEP) adhesive that integrates high bonding strength, environmental tolerance, and recyclability. The CEP adhesive demonstrates remarkable thermal stability and resistance to moisture-related degradation, making it suitable for various applications.
Researchers have developed a room-temperature method to separate battery electrode materials from aluminum foil, preserving valuable cathode materials. The process produces clean hydrogen as a byproduct and can be repeated multiple times with high efficiency.
A new study by the University at Buffalo reveals that unequal access to recycling facilities plays a key role in shaping plastic waste management practices in the US. Wealthier and more college-educated communities are more likely to have convenient access to large-scale industrial recycling facilities, making recycling easier and more...
A new method developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge uses solar-powered acid photoreforming to break down hard-to-recycle plastics into clean hydrogen fuel and valuable industrial chemicals. This approach could create a circular system where one waste stream solves another, reducing plastic waste and pollution.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic plastics using lower temperatures and sustainable solvents. The new process delivers over 95% conversion of the plastic and yields high-quality monomers, offering a clear pathway toward genuine circularity in acrylic materials.
Researchers at Rice University have developed a new method to recover nearly all critical minerals from spent lithium-ion batteries, including metals like lithium and graphite. The process uses microwave-induced plasma treatment with room-temperature solvents, resulting in high recovery rates and minimal environmental impact.
Scientists have engineered a microbial assembly line that converts plastic waste into a variety of useful products, including biopolymers, enzymes, and electricity. The breakthrough uses pyruvate as a universal currency to generate a wide range of outputs.
A new Concordia study reveals that UK household recycling rates are influenced by factors such as garbage collection frequency, education, and population density. The research found that districts with less frequent garbage collection and convenient recycling systems had higher recycling rates, with median levels of around 61%.
A new study by Manchester researchers argues that directional terms like 'upcycling' and 'downcycling' can skew perceptions of plastic sustainability. The study suggests that a more nuanced approach is needed to evaluate the environmental impact of recycling technologies.
Researchers at Newcastle University have created a reversible adhesive that can bond materials together like traditional glue but can also be easily separated. This technology allows for the reuse, repurposing, or recycling of dissimilar materials, making it a game-changer for industries such as packaging and automotive parts.
MIT engineers have designed a 3D-printed floor truss system made from recycled plastic, which exceeds building standards set by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. The printed flooring can hold over 4,000 pounds and weighs about 13 pounds per truss, making it a lighter alternative to traditional wood-based trusses.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed a new technology for plastic recycling that uses aqueous chemi-mechanical recycling to blend, decolorize, and purify mixed polyolefins. This approach reduces energy consumption and eliminates toxic chemicals compared to existing methods.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed an energy-efficient reactor that captures and recycles methane to produce clean hydrogen and high-performance carbon nanotubes. The process uses a multi-pass floating catalyst chemical vapour deposition reactor with process gas recycling, significantly reducing energy requirements.
A team of researchers from Chonnam National University explores how boosting consumer trust can increase adoption of second-life EV battery tech. They found that transparent safety inspections and tailored messaging can improve adoption outcomes.
Researchers found high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in recycled tire rubber granulate, linked to cancer and environmental harm. Fine particle sizes released more toxins into water and soil, increasing ecosystem risk.
A new study found that fine rubber crumbs from recycled tires can release high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the environment, contaminating soil and water. The smallest particles released the most toxic chemicals, posing risks to organisms, plants, and potentially human health.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that buying second-hand gifts involves a deliberate decision-making process, often driven by eco-friendly values. The study suggests that consumers tend to deliberate more when buying second-hand furniture or clothing, but less for items like books.
A new study by Linköping University finds artificial turf pitches more environmentally sustainable than natural turf when recycled and maintained properly. However, there are reservations due to production impact and maintenance emissions that can be mitigated with electrified machinery.
The Battery Large Model system revolutionizes battery design, manufacturing, operation, and recycling through AI-simulation synergy. It provides a novel technological path for the industry's intelligent upgrade, enabling autonomous design scheme generation, accurate performance prediction, and intelligent defect detection.
Researchers found elevated levels of lead, arsenic, copper, cadmium, and antimony in metal recycling workers' blood and urine, highlighting the need for better cleaning practices and respiratory protection. The study's results emphasize the importance of monitoring rare earth metals and implementing measures to reduce workplace exposure.
Researchers at Tohoku University have demonstrated a water-resistant and recyclable redox-active metal-organic framework (RAMOF) that can store electrons in acidic aqueous solutions. The breakthrough material shows high durability in an aqueous RAMOF-based rechargeable battery.
The article proposes a circular economy approach to reduce waste, increase durability, and repurpose spacecraft and satellites. Data analysis and digital technologies will be essential for developing sustainable practices.
Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a novel, non-toxic method to recycle mixed-fiber textiles, utilizing a deep eutectic solvent to separate and recover cotton and polyester components. The process achieves near-complete recycling with minimal damage to materials.
A new study shows that lithium can be recovered from battery waste using an electrochemically driven recovery process, which demonstrates economic viability with the potential to simplify operations. The method has been tested on commonly used types of lithium-containing batteries and produces recovered lithium at a cost comparable to ...
A new recycling process recovers nearly all valuable materials from used batteries with high purity, requiring less energy, chemicals, and costs compared to existing methods. The two-step flash Joule heating method separates lithium and transition metals quickly and cleanly.
Rice University researchers outline emerging solutions to make graphite production cleaner and more resilient, including synthetic graphite from renewable sources. The study emphasizes the critical role of graphite in energy storage technologies and the need for sustainable supply chain management.
Researchers developed a photothermal catalyst, Li0.51Mn2O4, to upgrade spent lithium manganate oxides and waste PET into highly efficient recyclable materials. The study achieved high conversion rates and reduced fossil resource consumption by up to 77% compared to traditional thermal catalysis.