New research at the Ames Laboratory’s Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics (iCOUP) recently discovered a chemical process that transforms plastic trash into biodegradable detergents and surfactants. This new process will help make plastic use more sustainable.
Researchers worked with plastics called “polyolefins,” which represent more than half of all discarded plastics, from food packaging to furniture. The process breaks down the carbon-carbon bonds to change the materials into compounds that can be used in many ways, including as detergents, emulsifiers, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The best part of the process is that its end products are biodegradable, unlike the plastic trash it started with. This discovery has the potential to increase plastics reuse and decrease impact on the environment – a win-win. – Beth Sciaudone, Civil Water Resources & Environmental Instructor
