r/science • u/mvea Professor | Medicine • Feb 20 '21
Chemistry Chemists developed two sustainable plastic alternatives to polyethylene, derived from plants, that can be recycled with a recovery rate of more than 96%, as low-waste, environmentally friendly replacements to conventional fossil fuel-based plastics. (Nature, 17 Feb)
https://academictimes.com/new-plant-based-plastics-can-be-chemically-recycled-with-near-perfect-efficiency/
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u/Frannoham Feb 20 '21
I know absolutely nothing about this, but wouldn't the cost decision be made by the consumer who'd rather pay $100 for plastic item #1 than $150 for plastic item #2? Seems the only way to equalize the price would be to make cleanup costs the responsibility of the manufacturer, not local governments and NGOs. The cost would be passed down to the consumer potentially changing item #1 to $175, for example. Right?