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/ThePotMonster Feb 20 '21

I feel I've seen these plant based plastics come up a few times in the last couple decades but they never seem to get any traction.

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u/hamhead Feb 20 '21

They’re used in a number of things but they can’t replace all types of plastic and, of course, cost

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u/pegothejerk Feb 20 '21

Amazon, a few chip/snack companies, and a Japanese exported of chicken, beef, and seafood already use plant based plastics in their packaging. Unfortunately there will be little attention of the conversion to more green packaging if it's done right, because a good replacement is one you won't notice. Current bioplastics will break down in 90 days, and the newest ones, like Kuraray's Plantic material, a blend of plant-based resin and post-consumer plastic, just dissolve in water.

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u/kerpti Feb 20 '21

once dissolved in water, what of the molecules? are they safe to dispose of through the public water system? could the water be thrown in a garden or in the grass? or could we find out that even dissolved, the molecules cause damage down the line?

eta: it’s obviously still a better alternative to the current plastics, but just wondering about some of the details

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u/69katdog69 Feb 20 '21

I wonder the same thing. Polyethylene is used in skincare products as an emulsifier or exfoliant. We’ve been putting it on our bodies, and going into our water systems

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u/HorseWithACape Feb 20 '21

Some of our water systems go into it! PEX piping - the modern standard for plumbing - is cross-linked polyethylene. Several homes are completely plumbed in the stuff. And though it's rated for heat, I have to wonder if re-routed pipes in the attic & & hot water lines will eventually send contaminants into the water.

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u/[deleted] Feb 20 '21

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u/HorseWithACape Feb 20 '21

I assume you mean CPVC since regular pvc is only rated to 140°F/60°C. However, pex & cpvc are both rated to 200°F/93°C. My original statement was a bit of self reflection on my own house. I just re-plumbed my hot with pex, with a manifold just after the water heater. It's only been a few months, but seems good so far.