New and simple method for upcycling plastic waste at room temperature

Researchers at the Centre for Sustainable and Circular Technologies (CSCT) at the University of Bath, have developed a mild and rapid chemical recycling process for polycarbonates, a robust class of plastics commonly used in construction and engineering. Using a zinc-based catalyst and methanol, the researchers were able to completely break down commercial poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (BPA-PC) beads within 20 minutes at room temperature. The waste can then be converted into its chemical constituents, bisphenol A (BPA) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC), which means these chemicals can be recycled indefinitely. The BPA recovery prevents leakage of a potentially damaging environmental pollutant into the ecosystem. This method creates new opportunities for polycarbonate recycling under mild conditions, helping to promote a circular economy approach and keep carbon in the loop indefinitely. This type of recycling would pay for itself in the products produced.



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