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/w2tpmf Feb 20 '21

Biodegradable wasn't the subject here though.

The subject is plastic not based on fossil fuel, and that is recyclable. PLA is both of those.

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u/Realistic_Pizza Feb 21 '21

The ocean can't recycle anything on its own unless its biodegradable. We don't do a good enough job recycling the plastics we have right now, so a lack of fossil fuels in polymer isn't much of a help.