UV light method offers repeat recycling for acrylic plastics without the environmental cost
A breakthrough method for chemically recycling acrylic—one of the world's most widely used plastics—has been developed by researchers at the University of Bath. In contrast to conventional mechanical recycling, this method uses lower temperatures and sustainable solvents without losing material quality, meaning the plastic can be recycled many times over with minimal environmental impact. Acrylic, sold under the brand names Perspex and Plexiglas, is made from the transparent thermoplastic polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Approximately 3 million metric tons are used worldwide each year, in a wide range of applications including automotive components, screens and construction materials.
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