The tests have shown that the method can be used on an industrial scale. Credit: SValeriia via Adobe Stock.

Researchers from the University of Florida (UF) have developed a new method for plastic recycling, which is claimed to reduce energy consumption while maintaining the quality of plastic.

A team of researchers guided by Brent Sumerlin conducted this experimental study, with graduate students James Young and Rhys Hughes taking the lead.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

Sumerlin is a professor in the chemistry department at the university.

Plastic recycling usually comprises three main steps, namely collection, sorting, and reprocessing.

Sumerlin’s team focused on addressing the common issues that arise during the last step of reprocessing, which involves breaking down sorted plastics into smaller fragments before melting and moulding them to form new products.

See Also:

This method frequently results in recycled plastic of lower quality, as it causes the polymer molecules in the plastics to break into shorter segments.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Sumerlin’s group opted for an alternative method known as chemical recycling, rather than industry-standard thermal reprocessing.

The team deployed a strategy that triggered the depolymerisation of the polymers, causing them to fully revert to the smaller monomer molecules from which they originated.

The monomer obtained can then be utilised to create new polymers possessing comparable or enhanced characteristics when compared to the original plastics.

Consequently, Sumerlin’s team of graduate students has developed a new method that significantly reduces the energy needed for depolymerisation.

Sumerlin said: “Our work is a response to the call to action proposed by the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

“New recycling strategies have become imperative to reduce the negative impact of plastic on the environment.”