Articles tagged with "recycling"
Europe’s e-waste could yield over 1 million tons of critical materials
A recent report by the EU-funded FutuRaM consortium reveals that Europe’s electronic waste (e-waste) contains an untapped "urban mine" of over 1 million tons of critical raw materials (CRMs) annually. In 2022, Europe generated 10.7 million tonnes of e-waste, but nearly half (46%) was lost through non-compliant disposal methods such as landfills and incineration, resulting in significant material losses. From the e-waste that was properly treated, about 400,000 tonnes of CRMs—including copper, aluminum, silicon, tungsten, and palladium—were recovered. The report projects that by 2050, e-waste volume could rise to between 12.5 and 19 million tonnes annually, with CRMs increasing to 1.2 to 1.9 million tonnes, and recovery potentially exceeding 1.5 million tonnes per year. The findings underscore Europe’s heavy reliance on imports for over 90
energymaterialse-wasterecyclingcritical-raw-materialscircular-economysustainabilityRecycling breaks new ground as PET plastics shattered by pure force
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed an innovative mechanochemical recycling method to efficiently break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics without the use of heat or solvents. PET, widely used in bottles, packaging, and fibers, is difficult to recycle due to its strong molecular bonds, leading to significant plastic waste accumulation. The team, led by Kinga Gołąbek and Professor Carsten Sievers, utilized metal balls to apply mechanical impacts to solid PET pieces, generating enough energy to trigger chemical reactions with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at room temperature. This approach enables the decomposition of PET into its original molecular components in a controlled and energy-efficient manner, potentially transforming plastic recycling into a more sustainable process. Through controlled single-impact experiments and computer simulations, the researchers mapped how collision energy disperses through PET, causing structural and chemical changes in localized zones. These impacts created micro-craters where PET chains stretched and cracked, facilitating reactions with NaOH, and even mechanical force alone was sufficient to break some molecular
materialsrecyclingPET-plasticsmechanochemical-recyclingsustainable-materialsplastic-waste-managementchemical-engineeringPlastic bottles upcycled into high-performance supercapacitors
Researchers have developed an innovative method to upcycle poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) from single-use plastic bottles into components for high-performance supercapacitors, devices that rapidly store and release energy. By converting PET into porous carbon electrodes through heating with calcium hydroxide and creating perforated PET film separators, the team produced an all-plastic supercapacitor that outperformed similar devices using traditional glass fiber separators. This approach not only offers efficient and recyclable energy storage solutions but also addresses the global plastic pollution crisis by diverting billions of discarded bottles from landfills and oceans. The PET-based supercapacitor demonstrated comparable capacitance retention (79%) to conventional models (78%) while being cheaper to produce and fully recyclable. Lead researcher Yun Hang Hu emphasized the potential for these PET-derived supercapacitors to find applications across transportation, electronics, and industrial sectors, contributing to circular energy storage technologies. With further optimization, these devices could transition from laboratory prototypes to market-ready products within five to ten years,
energymaterialsrecyclingsupercapacitorssustainable-energy-storageplastic-upcyclingPET-recyclingFlash heating extracts rare earths from e-waste with 90% yield
Researchers at Rice University, led by James Tour and Shichen Xu, have developed an ultrafast flash Joule heating (FJH) method combined with chlorine gas to recover rare earth elements (REEs) from discarded magnets with over 90% yield and purity. This innovative technique rapidly heats materials to thousands of degrees within milliseconds, causing non-REE metals like iron and cobalt to chlorinate and vaporize first, leaving behind solid REE oxides. Unlike traditional recycling methods, which are energy-intensive and produce toxic waste, this process requires no water or acids, significantly reducing environmental impact. Life cycle assessments and techno-economic analyses demonstrate that this method cuts energy use by 87%, greenhouse gas emissions by 84%, and operating costs by 54% compared to conventional hydrometallurgical recycling. The rapid and clean recovery process enables the potential deployment of localized recycling units near e-waste collection points, minimizing shipping costs and environmental footprint. Rice University has licensed the technology to Flash Metals USA
energymaterialsrare-earth-elementsrecyclingflash-Joule-heatingsustainable-processingelectronic-wasteFukushima football club unveils Japan's first circular timber stadium
Fukushima United FC, in collaboration with architecture startup VUILD, has unveiled plans for Japan’s first circular timber stadium in Fukushima Prefecture. The 5,000-seat venue is designed with sustainability and circular construction principles at its core, using laminated wood sourced locally from Fukushima forests. The stadium’s components are engineered for disassembly and reuse, promoting recycling of local resources. Its seating is distributed into four separate volumes with individual entrances, maintaining a human scale and fostering community accessibility. The design draws inspiration from Japan’s Shikinen Sengu tradition of ritual shrine rebuilding, emphasizing cycles of resources, community, and craftsmanship. This includes reforestation efforts, woodworking education, and participatory construction to regenerate local skills and materials. Structurally, the stadium features hyperbolic paraboloid timber shells forming the roof, allowing for cantilevered spans and referencing the steep thatched roofs of historic Ōuchi-juku. Passive energy strategies address Fukushima’s climate by optimizing shading, ventilation, insulation,
materialssustainable-architecturetimber-constructioncircular-economyenergy-efficiencypassive-energy-designrecyclingTwo-Thirds Of River Trash Is Plastic (Research) - CleanTechnica
A recent study from the University of California–Santa Barbara highlights the alarming extent of plastic pollution in rivers worldwide, estimating that 1.95 million metric tons of plastic—equivalent to the weight of 5.3 Empire State Buildings—flow through rivers annually. This plastic originates primarily from mismanaged waste, including littering, illegal dumping, and leakage from inadequately controlled landfills. Much of this waste is mobilized by rain and wind, traveling from distant locations through urban drainage systems into rivers. The research emphasizes that nearly all everyday plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and only about 10% of plastic waste is recycled globally, underscoring significant gaps in waste management infrastructure. The study also discusses the environmental and human health impacts of riverine plastic pollution. Plastic debris harms river ecosystems by entangling and poisoning wildlife, smothering habitats, and transporting invasive species and pathogens. It also poses risks to human communities by contaminating food sources with microplastics, blocking drainage systems which
materialsplastic-pollutionwaste-managementrecyclingfossil-fuelsenvironmental-researchriver-pollutionNew method recovers 90% of key rare-earth elements from used magnets
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed an innovative recycling method called the selective extraction–evaporation–electrolysis (SEEE) process to recover rare-earth elements (REEs) from used magnets, particularly those containing neodymium (Nd) and dysprosium (Dy). These REEs are critical for high-performance magnets used in green technologies such as electric vehicles and wind turbines. The SEEE process demonstrated high efficiency, recovering 96% of neodymium and 91% of dysprosium, both with purities exceeding 90%. This method offers a more sustainable alternative to traditional mining and hydrometallurgical recycling, which are often environmentally damaging or energy-intensive. The SEEE process involves three stages: selective extraction using a molten salt mixture to isolate REEs from magnet scraps; selective evaporation to remove byproducts and concentrate the rare-earth elements; and selective electrolysis to separate and recover the metals in high-purity metallic form based on their distinct electrochemical potentials. This approach not
materialsrare-earth-elementsrecyclingsustainable-technologyelectric-vehiclesgreen-technologyhigh-performance-magnetsScientists develop easily recyclable lithium-ion battery electrolyte
Scientists at the Institute of Science Tokyo have developed a novel quasi-solid electrolyte called 3D-SLISE (3D-Slime Interface Quasi-Solid Electrolyte) that promises to enhance lithium-ion batteries by improving safety, manufacturing efficiency, and recyclability. Unlike conventional electrolytes that rely on flammable organic solvents and require energy-intensive production environments, 3D-SLISE uses a borate–water matrix combined with lithium tetraborate, lithium salt, and carboxymethyl cellulose to create a slime-like interface enabling three-dimensional lithium-ion conduction. This innovation allows batteries to charge or discharge in just 20 minutes, maintain performance over 400 cycles at room temperature, and be produced without costly environmental controls, thereby reducing both production costs and carbon footprint. A key advantage of 3D-SLISE is its water-based composition, which eliminates the need for toxic binders and solvents, enabling direct recycling by simply soaking electrodes in water. This process allows recovery of valuable materials such as
energylithium-ion-batteryelectrolyterecyclingbattery-technologysustainable-energybattery-safetyUK scientists to make nuclear reactor graphite from recycled waste
The University of Manchester is leading a five-year UK research program called ENLIGHT, funded by an $11 million grant from UK Research and Innovation and industry partners, to transform the lifecycle of nuclear reactor graphite. The program involves Oxford, Plymouth, and Loughborough universities and aims to develop technologies for producing sustainable, domestically sourced nuclear-grade graphite and recycling irradiated graphite waste. This initiative addresses the UK's reliance on imported graphite—a key material accounting for about one-third of reactor build costs—and the growing stockpile of over 100,000 tons of irradiated graphite from decommissioned reactors. ENLIGHT supports the UK’s goal to expand nuclear power capacity to 24 gigawatts by 2050 as part of its net zero ambitions. The program focuses on designing new graphite materials that can withstand extreme reactor conditions, improving their lifespan, and converting irradiated graphite waste into a valuable resource. It is expected to save the UK up to £2 billion in future waste management costs, enhance energy security,
energynuclear-energygraphite-materialsadvanced-modular-reactorsrecyclingsustainable-energyUK-energy-innovationIt's Time To Divest From Plastic — Ceramics Are One Viable Alternative - CleanTechnica
The article discusses the ongoing global efforts to address the plastic pollution crisis through a landmark United Nations treaty, with negotiations taking place in Geneva and set to conclude by August 2025. Despite broad international recognition of plastic pollution's harmful effects—including cancer, hormone disruption, and environmental contamination—progress is hindered by opposition from major plastic-producing countries like Saudi Arabia and the United States. While 175 nations agreed in 2022 to create a legally binding treaty targeting the entire plastic lifecycle, disagreements remain over production limits and chemical additives. Greenpeace advocates for a 75% reduction in plastic production by 2040, emphasizing that recycling alone is insufficient to solve the problem. Amid these challenges, the article highlights innovative alternatives to plastic, focusing on GaeaStar, a company producing ceramic cups as a sustainable substitute for single-use plastic drinkware. Made from natural materials like clay, salt, and water, these cups are reusable, inert, and free from harmful chemical leaching. GaeaStar’s products combine
materialsplastic-alternativesceramicsenvironmental-sustainabilityplastic-pollutionrecyclingsustainable-materialsWould A Lottery Reward Make People More Likely To Recycle? - CleanTechnica
The article explores the potential of lottery-based rewards to increase recycling rates, addressing common barriers such as inconvenience, lack of immediate payoff, and low motivation. Despite trillions of beverage containers used annually, recycling rates remain modest—34% for glass bottles, 40% for plastic, and 70% for aluminum cans. Traditional bottle deposit systems, which refund a small amount per returned container, exist in multiple countries and regions and have some success. However, researchers propose that adding a lottery element—where each recycled container acts like a lottery ticket with a small chance of winning a large prize—could significantly boost recycling participation by tapping into human attraction to gambling and rewards. Several studies underpin this approach, including psychological frameworks like operant conditioning that emphasize rewards to reinforce positive environmental behaviors. One study compared a typical fee-based policy with a lottery incentive for reusable cup use, finding no significant difference in perceived behavior change, suggesting that the lottery’s impact might vary by context. However, a Canadian research team tested a
energyrecyclingsustainabilityenvironmental-behaviorclimate-actionwaste-managementincentivesJapan’s beam tech transforms forever plastics into reusable feedstock
Researchers in Japan have developed an innovative electron beam technique to recycle polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, with significantly improved energy efficiency. By combining moderate heat with electron beam irradiation, the method fully decomposes PTFE at 370 °C (698 °F), which is substantially lower than the 600−1000 °C required by conventional pyrolysis. This approach cuts the energy consumption for recycling from 2.8–4 MWh per ton to roughly half, making large-scale recycling of this durable fluoropolymer more economically viable. The process converts solid PTFE into gaseous oxidized fluorocarbons and perfluoroalkanes, which can potentially be captured and reused as raw materials in chemical manufacturing, promoting a circular economy for these persistent plastics. The research also found that high-temperature irradiation alters the internal structure of PTFE, enhancing its decomposition efficiency. PTFE belongs to the PFAS family, often called “forever chemicals” due
energymaterialsrecyclingelectron-beam-technologyPTFEfluoropolymerssustainable-manufacturingRecycling breakthrough turns discarded Covid face masks into EV tech
Researchers from Australia and China have developed an innovative method to upcycle the vast quantities of discarded polypropylene (PP) Covid-19 face masks—estimated at over 950 billion since 2020—into high-performance nanocomposite films for electric vehicle (EV) electronics. The process involves cleaning and shredding used masks, coating the PP fibers with food-grade tannic acid to impart a negative charge, and then self-assembling positively charged graphene nanoplatelets around each fiber. A brief hot-pressing step fuses these into metre-scale films using only water and tannic acid under atmospheric pressure, making the method environmentally friendly and compatible with scalable roll-to-roll manufacturing. The resulting PP@G films exhibit exceptional thermal and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties, with thermal conductivity reaching 87 W/m·K—about 100 times higher than typical plastics—and EMI shielding effectiveness of 88 dB at 800 micrometers thickness, outperforming many advanced composites. These films can significantly
materialsrecyclingthermal-managementelectromagnetic-interference-shieldingnanocompositesustainable-materialselectronics-coolingCigarette waste turned into road-building material by scientists
Scientists from the University of Granada (Spain) and the University of Bologna (Italy), supported by the Chinese government, have developed an innovative method to recycle cigarette butts into pellets used as additives in road construction. The process involves removing organic ash from cigarette filters, crushing the remaining cellulose fibers and PLA plastic, and binding the material with a special Fischer-Tropsch-type wax. These pellets are then incorporated into recycled asphalt, where the wax melts during manufacturing, releasing fibers that reinforce the asphalt, enhancing its crack resistance, ductility, and flexibility. This method also allows for higher recycled content in asphalt and reduces manufacturing temperatures, leading to energy savings and lower emissions. The environmental significance of this research is notable given the staggering volume of cigarette waste worldwide—estimated at 4.5 trillion discarded filters annually by the WHO, projected to rise to 9 trillion by 2025. Cigarette butts are a persistent pollutant, contaminating waterways and landscapes. This recycling approach not only addresses this waste problem
materialsrecyclingasphaltcigarette-wastesustainable-constructionroad-building-materialsenvironmental-innovationAs Solar & Storage Dominate New Grid Additions, Industry Releases First-of-its-Kind Roadmap for Achieving a Circular Economy - CleanTechnica
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) has released a pioneering Circular Economy Roadmap aimed at transforming the U.S. solar and storage industry to sustainably manage the increasing volume of equipment reaching the end of its lifecycle. As solar and storage technologies now constitute the majority of new power capacity on the American grid, this roadmap outlines a strategic vision to reduce waste, extend product lifespans, and recover valuable materials. By adopting a circular economy model—decoupling economic growth from raw material consumption—the industry aims to lower costs, strengthen supply chains, bolster domestic manufacturing, and enhance U.S. energy security, all while fostering job creation and economic growth. The roadmap details a comprehensive action plan involving collaboration with federal, state, and local governments, manufacturers, academia, and other stakeholders. Key initiatives include developing national standards for recycling, reuse, and decommissioning of solar and storage equipment; creating demand for recovered raw materials; supporting research and development to overcome circular economy barriers; and establishing a national network for
energysolar-energyenergy-storagecircular-economysustainabilityrenewable-energyrecyclingApple commits $500M to U.S.-based rare earth recycling firm MP Materials
Apple has committed $500 million to MP Materials, the only fully integrated rare earth mining company operating in the United States, to bolster the domestic rare earth supply chain. This investment includes Apple's commitment to purchasing American-made rare earth magnets produced at MP Materials’ Fort Worth, Texas facility. The factory will focus on manufacturing neodymium magnets tailored specifically for Apple products, which will be distributed both nationally and globally to meet rising demand. Additionally, Apple and MP Materials will collaborate to establish a rare earth recycling facility in Mountain Pass, California. This plant will process recycled rare earth materials sourced from used electronics and industrial scrap for reuse in Apple devices. The partnership also aims to develop new magnet materials and processing technologies to improve magnet performance. This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader pledge to invest over $500 billion in the U.S. over the next four years and builds on its history of using recycled rare earth elements in its products since 2019.
materialsrare-earth-elementsrecyclingneodymium-magnetssupply-chainApplesustainable-manufacturingEnzyme breakthrough cuts plastic recycling energy use by 65%
Scientists from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), University of Massachusetts Lowell, and University of Portsmouth have developed a breakthrough enzymatic recycling process for PET plastic that significantly reduces environmental impact and costs. By substituting sodium hydroxide with ammonium hydroxide, the team created a self-sustaining closed-loop system that cuts chemical use by 99%, energy consumption by 65%, and operating costs by nearly 75%. This innovation allows enzymatic recycling to outperform traditional plastic production both environmentally and economically, with recycled PET costing $1.51 per kilo versus $1.87 for virgin plastic. The new method overcomes previous challenges in enzymatic recycling, which struggled with high costs and environmental drawbacks despite its ability to break down complex PET waste types that mechanical recycling cannot process. Ammonium hydroxide maintains optimal pH and regenerates itself during the process, reducing the need for fresh chemicals. Additional improvements in plastic pre-treatment and ethylene glycol recovery further enhance efficiency, enabling complete depolymerization
energyrecyclingenzymatic-recyclingplastic-recyclingsustainabilitychemical-engineeringrenewable-energyBreakthrough method purifies rare earths element with just water
Scientists at IOCB Prague have developed an innovative water-only method to recycle rare earth elements, specifically neodymium and dysprosium, from discarded magnets. This breakthrough offers a cleaner, more cost-effective alternative to traditional recycling processes that rely on toxic solvents and generate hazardous waste. The new technique uses a specially designed chelator molecule that selectively precipitates neodymium while leaving dysprosium in solution, enabling efficient and environmentally friendly separation. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also holds promise for industrial-scale application, supporting sustainable “urban mining” to meet the growing global demand for rare earths critical to technologies like smartphones and wind turbines. The technology, already patented, addresses key challenges in rare earth recycling and could help reduce dependence on geopolitically sensitive supply chains dominated by China. The research team, led by Miloslav Polášek and including doctoral candidate Kelsea G. Jones, is awaiting feasibility study results to transition the method from laboratory to commercial use. Additionally, the study uncovered the
rare-earth-elementsrecyclingsustainable-materialsneodymium-magnetsgreen-technologyurban-miningclean-energy-materialsPlastics Recycling With Enzymes Takes a Leap Forward - CleanTechnica
A collaborative research effort involving the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), the University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Portsmouth has advanced enzymatic recycling of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a common plastic used in packaging and textiles. Building on prior work engineering improved PETase enzymes capable of breaking down PET, the team integrated chemical engineering, process development, and techno-economic analysis to create a scalable, economically viable recycling process. This approach addresses limitations of current PET recycling methods, particularly their incompatibility with low-quality, contaminated, or colored plastic waste, by using enzymes that selectively depolymerize PET into monomers that can be reused or upcycled into higher-value materials. Key innovations in the process include optimized reaction conditions and separation technologies that drastically reduce the need for costly acid and base additives by over 99%, cut annual operating costs by 74%, and lower energy consumption by 65%. These improvements have brought the modeled cost of enzymatically recycled PET down to $1.51 per kilogram
materialsrecyclingenzymesenergy-efficiencyPETchemical-engineeringsustainable-materialsNovoloop is making tons of upcycled plastic
Novoloop, a California-based startup, is addressing the plastic recycling challenge by continuously upcycling waste plastic into thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) at its demonstration plant, producing up to 70 metric tons annually. This upcycled TPU, branded as Lifecycled TPU, is created by breaking down polyethylene into monomers and synthesizing new, more valuable polymers suitable for products like sneakers and car seats. Demand for Novoloop’s material has been strong, prompting plans for a larger commercial-scale facility. The company recently raised $21 million in a Series B funding round led by Taranis, with participation from Valo Ventures and Shop Limited, to finalize the design and begin construction of this plant. Novoloop aims to build the commercial plant alongside an existing chemical facility, leveraging available land and utilities while providing technology and marketing expertise. The startup also explores mechanically recycling TPU scraps from factory floors, enhancing performance to rival virgin materials. For cost efficiency, Novoloop chose to build its demonstration plant
materialsrecyclingupcyclingthermoplastic-polyurethanesustainable-materialschemical-manufacturingplastic-wasteThe Moment to Make Automotive Steel More Circular Is Now - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights the urgent need for the European Union to enhance circularity in automotive steel production. Despite the automotive sector being the EU’s second-largest steel consumer, only 6% of the steel used in cars comes from recycled scrap, far below the 56% average across all sectors. This low recycling rate is primarily due to contamination—especially copper from parts like wire harnesses—that occurs when old vehicles are shredded, rendering the steel unsuitable for reuse in new cars. The upcoming revision of the EU’s End-of-Life Vehicles (ELV) Regulation presents a critical opportunity to address this issue by introducing mandatory recycled steel content targets and quality standards. To unlock a market for higher-quality recycled steel, the article argues that EU policymakers should set a target of 30% recycled steel content in new cars by 2030, coupled with local content requirements to support European recyclers and reduce reliance on imported raw materials. Additionally, quality standards must be established to limit copper contamination in shredded scrap
energymaterialsautomotive-steelrecyclingcircular-economyEU-policysustainable-manufacturingNovel self-healing circuit board could solve world's e-waste crisis
materialse-wasterecyclingself-healingcircuit-boardsustainable-technologyliquid-metalAI-powered robots help tackle Europe’s growing e-waste problem
robotAIe-wasterecyclingautomationroboticstechnology31 đội tranh tài tại chung kết Sáng kiến Khoa học 2025
energyrecyclingsolar-panelsinnovationsustainabilityenvironmental-protectionbiomassGlacier brings in $16M and announces new Recology King deployment
GlacierfundraisingroboticsrecyclingautomationtechnologyRecology