New catalyst could make mixed plastic waste recyclable in one chemical step
Japanese researchers have developed a new iridium-based catalyst that allows for the selective degradation of polyurethane in mixed plastic waste. This chemical process enables the recycling of complex materials that were previously considered impossible to separate.
Why it matters
This technology could significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills or incinerators by making mixed-material products economically viable to recycle.
edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Andrew Zinin
The article reports on a scientific breakthrough using neutral, descriptive language.
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