Innovations using moisture-driven catalysis—like Northwestern’s air-moisture PET depolymerization—and supercritical CO₂ purification enhance plastic-to-monomer efficiency, enabling high-quality recyclates without harsh chemicals
Startups like PolyCycl and Honeywell’s UpCycle deploy modular chemical-pyrolysis units converting mixed plastics into virgin-level polymers and feedstocks—supporting scalable, closed-loop recycling systems globally
NIR spectroscopy with AI-driven robotics sorts PP, HDPE, and PET at community level. Digital twins optimize operations, boosting purity, efficiency, and recycling rates.
Photocatalysts (e.g., high-entropy oxides, TiO₂ variants) convert PET and microplastics using sunlight into hydrogen and valuable chemicals—advancing both recycling and green energy production