94% plastic recycled in 4 hours: Scientists develop new method powered by air moisture
The process begins with an inexpensive catalyst that breaks down the bonds in polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the most widely used plastic in the polyester family. Once broken, the material is simply exposed to ambient air to transfer PET into monomers—the essential building blocks of plastics.
Researchers believe these monomers could then be recycled or upcycled into more valuable materials.
The new technique, which is safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than current plastic recycling methods, offers a promising path toward creating a circular economy for plastics.
