As the increase in plastic pollution continues, so does our technology. Scientists have just developed an air-powered recycling method that might solve the Earth’s plastic problem. This method begins by having a catalyst break down the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bonds. The broken pieces float into the air and become terephthalic acid (TPA), which is a material highly valued. This new method is air-powered, safe, clean, inexpensive, and much more convenient. It is also possible for the plastic to be upgraded into an even more sophisticated item, rather than only having it recycled.
Polyethylene terephthalate is surprisingly responsible for 12% of worldwide plastic consumption, which is very dangerous. This is why the sustainable air-powered method that scientists have discovered is so important. The environment is weakening every day, so it’s critical that more innovative tools like this one come to life. This process is hasty, as it recovers 94% of TPA, or terephthalic acid in a mere 4 hours. Even the catalyst for the actual recycling device is recyclable, which is astonishing. The amount of hard work and perseverance our scientists put into helping the environment is incredible and crucial, considering that pollution is one of the biggest problems our planet has, if not THE biggest, as it puts so many organisms at risk.
RELATED STORIES:
- https://interestingengineering.com/science/air-moisture-plastic-recycling
- https://www.sustainability-times.com/environmental-protection/breakthrough-air-powered-tech-claims-to-recycle-94-of-plastic-in-just-4-hours-using-moisture/#:~:text=%F0%9F%8C%BF%20Researchers%20have%20developed%20a,a%20fast%20and%20efficient%20solution.
- https://www.govtech.com/question-of-the-day/can-plastic-be-recycled-using-the-air
- https://news.northwestern.edu/stories/2025/03/plastic-recycling-gets-a-breath-of-fresh-air/
- https://inspenet.com/en/noticias/a-new-pet-recycling-method-using-air-and-moisture-promises-a-sustainable-solution/
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