Revolutionary Adhesive Could Transform Plastic Recycling
A new adhesive dissolves in alkaline solutions, making plastic recycling cleaner and more effective. This could greatly reduce waste and improve material reuse.
A recent study highlights a new adhesive that can be cleanly removed from plastic bottles and packaging before disposal, potentially improving the quality of recycled plastic.
Conventional adhesives used for attaching labels often leave behind residues that hinder the recycling and reuse of plastic.
Researchers from the University of Reading’s Department of Chemistry have developed a polymer adhesive that dissolves when exposed to basic or alkaline solutions. This allows labels to remain securely attached during use but enables easy removal during the recycling process, reducing contamination and enhancing recyclability.
Matthew Hyder, lead author of the research, said: “Existing commercial adhesives can prove extremely difficult to remove from plastic surfaces because of their chemical composition. Our new polymer adhesive has been designed so that it can be removed from a plastic surface when exposed to basic or alkaline solutions. By making labels that can be removed completely, we are helping improve the quality of recycled plastic and its usefulness in its next life.”
