Recycling

Polyolefins define modern plastics, but their chemical stability now drives a new search for smarter transformation pathways

Printable chipless RFID tags using MXene inks enable remote sorting and then dissolve in a caustic wash to avoid contamination of recyclate.

Researchers have developed a method for recycling post-consumer garments into injection-molding materials.

Recycling plastics at scale remains a challenge as waste streams grow more complex. Mixed materials and contamination limit the performance of many recycling routes.

A two-year program conducted by CEFLEX gathered information from 1,700 data points and over 600 packaging samples. As a result, a design guide was developed to ensure the practical recyclability of flexible packaging.

A new PVC chemical recycling process converts mixed PVC and polyolefin waste into chlorine-free gasoline-range fuels at low temperatures.

How the UK is scaling EPS recycling through better data, new collection tools, and chemical routes, while awareness still lags.

Reactive extrusion reduces odor in post-consumer resins by leveraging targeted chemistry and venting to enable higher-quality circular PCR.

Europe’s PVC industry boosts circularity, increasing recycled PVC use despite weak demand, cutting emissions and supporting sustainable manufacturing.

E-waste leasing and product-as-a-service models cut electronic waste by improving design, take-back, lease returns, and secure recycling.

Insect farming using mealworms and black soldier fly larvae offers a two-step solution to manage plastic and food waste while reducing microplastics in soil.

Incorporating zeolites into plastic recycling could signal a significant advancement for sustainability.