This is a realm where government regulations can really make a big difference. China banned single-use plastics. A lot of plastic use is really unnecessary.
And Trump reverted the ban on plastic straws. One step forward, three steps backwards...
Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
51–60 of 113 posts
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#52There is no such a thing like "plastic". The article is about PET - polyethylene terephthalate, there are hundreds other "plastics", which different chemical propensities. The problem is not actual act of recycling, but figuring out what a given piece is made of. PET is popular - 70% of all bottles are made of it, but there are those 30%, so the most expensive part - sorting - has to be carried anyway. Plus we target…
Very good questions, but the answer is disappointing:
because money
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#53There is no such a thing like "plastic". The article is about PET - polyethylene terephthalate, there are hundreds other "plastics", which different chemical propensities. The problem is not actual act of recycling, but figuring out what a given piece is made of. PET is popular - 70% of all bottles are made of it, but there are those 30%, so the most expensive part - sorting - has to be carried anyway. Plus we target…
There are actual reasons different plastics are used in different situations… it’s not just companies saying “ha ha this will be extremely difficult on the recyclers!”
Some plastic needs to be heat resistant, some, it doesn’t matter. Some plastic needs to be easy to tear, some needs to resist tearing. Some plastic needs to be flexible, some needs to be stiff.
Easily removable labels often fall off before they are actively removed.
Restaurants probably tried only paper and their customers complained when the food soaked through and/or the container collapsed.
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#54There is no such a thing like "plastic". The article is about PET - polyethylene terephthalate, there are hundreds other "plastics", which different chemical propensities. The problem is not actual act of recycling, but figuring out what a given piece is made of. PET is popular - 70% of all bottles are made of it, but there are those 30%, so the most expensive part - sorting - has to be carried anyway. Plus we target…
Very good questions, but the answer is disappointing: because money
Only in some ways. Mostly it’s due to use case and desired characteristics of the container, one of which can be cost. As another poster noted, different products need different packaging solutions.
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#55There is no such a thing like "plastic". The article is about PET - polyethylene terephthalate, there are hundreds other "plastics", which different chemical propensities. The problem is not actual act of recycling, but figuring out what a given piece is made of. PET is popular - 70% of all bottles are made of it, but there are those 30%, so the most expensive part - sorting - has to be carried anyway. Plus we target…
Dumb q: could one stay the catalyst on everything, let the PET break down, then separate from the other polymers?
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#56Earlier quoted context omitted.
Very good questions, but the answer is disappointing: because money
Only in some ways. Mostly it’s due to use case and desired characteristics of the container, one of which can be cost. As another poster noted, different products need different packaging solutions.
That's an important point you're making here...Can you expand on that with an example? A specific use of plastic as a container that gives the desired characteristics...specifically where those characteristics could not be met by another (if expense isn't a consideration) material?
If there are less toxic materials that could "do the job" but are more expensive then it really is about money no?
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#57There is no such a thing like "plastic". The article is about PET - polyethylene terephthalate, there are hundreds other "plastics", which different chemical propensities. The problem is not actual act of recycling, but figuring out what a given piece is made of. PET is popular - 70% of all bottles are made of it, but there are those 30%, so the most expensive part - sorting - has to be carried anyway. Plus we target…
Dumb q: could one stay the catalyst on everything, let the PET break down, then separate from the other polymers?
This is actually one of the use cases the authors discuss in their paper. Sending mixed plastics through this process to extract the PET/PBT containing bits, and send the rest along their way.
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#58Earlier quoted context omitted.
Dumb q: could one stay the catalyst on everything, let the PET break down, then separate from the other polymers?
This is actually one of the use cases the authors discuss in their paper. Sending mixed plastics through this process to extract the PET/PBT containing bits, and send the rest along their way.
The top comment could have been prevented had the OC read the article...
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#59Earlier quoted context omitted.
This is actually one of the use cases the authors discuss in their paper. Sending mixed plastics through this process to extract the PET/PBT containing bits, and send the rest along their way.
The top comment could have been prevented had the OC read the article...
Apparently they did as they know that the article is about PET only.
Re: Scientists break down plastic using a simple, inexpensive catalyst and air
#60Earlier quoted context omitted.
Only in some ways. Mostly it’s due to use case and desired characteristics of the container, one of which can be cost. As another poster noted, different products need different packaging solutions.
That's an important point you're making here...Can you expand on that with an example? A specific use of plastic as a container that gives the desired characteristics...specifically where those characteristics could not be met by another (if expense isn't a consideration) material? If there are less toxic materials that could "do the job" but are more expensive then it really is about money no?
Prescription canisters (the tamper resistant/child proof ones). You could do without it but you now subject children to accidental ingestion.
Single meal frozen food containers. You need a seal. Some impregnated cardboard can work, but not as well and is full of chemicals to overcome its disadvantages.
Disposable water bottles. You can use metal vessels, they cost a bit more, but doable.
Packaged frozen meats (they keep longer). Not sure there is a good alternative to plastics other than having people buy meats semi-daily from the butcher.
Some plastics need to be heat resistant, others solvent resistant, others flexible, others stretchy, etc. Different formulations give you what you need at a price point.
Yes we could go back to the 1920s but then life would have to be adjusted to the 1920s. You’d need someone to remain “domestic” at home, etc. as more time is needed to carry out house work without the convenience of modern materials.