Scientists say this metal might be the key to recycling mixed plastics

Instead of requiring laborious sorting, the catalyst selectively breaks down these durable materials into valuable resources such as oils, waxes, and fuels.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Recycling plastic may soon become far more efficient. Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a nickel-based catalyst capable of tackling one of the most persistent challenges in waste management: polyolefins, the single-use plastics that dominate global consumption.

Instead of requiring laborious sorting, the catalyst selectively breaks down these durable materials into valuable resources such as oils, waxes, and fuels. The discovery offers a promising step toward a circular plastic economy, one where discarded packaging and products can be transformed into useful commodities rather than lingering as waste.

Courtesy: www.indianchemicalnews.com