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New Framework Standardizes Plastic Depolymerization for Circular Recycling

Researchers propose standardized framework for plastic depolymerization to enable circular recycling. New metrics will accelerate development of sustainable plastic waste solutions and industrial adoption.

This research matters because it addresses one of the most significant barriers to effective plastic recycling—the lack of standardized evaluation methods that has prevented meaningful comparison and scaling of depolymerization technologies. With global plastic production exceeding 400 million tons annually and less than 10% being effectively recycled, the environmental consequences are staggering. Standardized metrics will enable researchers and industry to identify the most promising recycling pathways, accelerating the development of true circular economy solutions. For consumers, this means potentially higher quality recycled products and reduced environmental impact from plastic waste. For manufacturers, it provides clear guidelines for developing recyclable-by-design materials and integrating advanced recycling into existing systems. This standardization could fundamentally transform how we approach plastic waste, turning what is currently pollution into valuable raw materials while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels for new plastic production.