Recycle mixed plastic packaging the cleaner way

The research team from NTU Singapore's School of Materials Science and Engineering and Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI) has introduced a process called depolymerisation-induced polymer separation, or DIPS. The method selectively breaks down one type of plastic in mixed plastic packaging while leaving the other plastics intact, allowing each material to be recovered and reused.

Lead investigator Professor Hu Xiao, who is also the Programme Director for Sustainable Chemistry and Materials at NEWRI, said: “We’re seeing more mixed plastic packaging used in everyday food products, but recycling it safely and efficiently is still a major challenge. Our team set out to tackle this by developing a practical, scalable way to separate these materials without using harmful solvents."

Study co-author Dr Liang Yen Nan, who is also Senior Research Fellow, NEWRI, said: “One of the biggest hurdles in plastic recycling today is the lack of a viable way to deal with mixed plastics. This project was driven by that challenge, and our goal is to help move the industry closer to a solution that works in the real world.”

Link to NTU article