Plastic pollution is too serious! NSF allocates US$4 million for research on recyclable plastics
Plastic is an indispensable part of today's society. This flexible polymer has many uses such as keeping food fresh and car safe. However, the benefits of owning it also come at a price. Every year, millions of tons of discarded plastic pollute ecosystems, harm animals, and exacerbate climate change.
Recently, the National Science Foundation of the United States allocated US$4 million to fund researchers in Kansas and Delaware to study the manufacture of environmentally friendly and recyclable plastics.
Lead researcher Bala Subramaniam said: "We are very happy to study the manufacture of this plastic, because it will set off a trend in the economy of recyclable plastics."
The research team will start from two aspects. First, they will develop sustainable methods to convert non-food biological resources, such as grass or crop leftovers, into plastic products. This is not only more environmentally friendly, but also promotes rural economic growth. Second, the team will find a better way to deconstruct the used plastic and turn it into a source of new plastic.
Bala Subramaniam said that solving the challenge of plastic pollution requires not only chemical innovation, but also good public policy support. Kansas Policy and Social Research promises to help researchers develop software that simulates the economics of new technologies and formulate scientific policies for the use of recyclable plastics.
