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A California-based startup has found a way to turn non-recyclable plastic into raw materials for other products.
The company, called BioCellection, targets plastic films, the kind of plastic often used for food packaging, clothing, labels, and more. About 300 million pounds of this type of plastic is sent to US recycling facilities each year, but only about 3% is recycled. Thus, plastic films become one of the biggest contributors to plastic pollution.
BioCellection found a way to recycle plastic films using a liquid substance that chemically breaks down plastic. The liquid is added to shredded plastic films and then heated at 120 degrees Celsius. This process generates another liquid that contains chemicals derived from the plastic, which can be further processed into a material that looks like white powder.
The resulting white powder is an essential component of nylon, a material used to make fabric and machine parts. Hence, it can be recycled into a new material used in different industries, including fashion and electronics. Meanwhile, the liquid substance used to treat the plastic films can be recovered at the end of the process and reused to recycle more plastic products.
BioCellection announced its plans to apply the technology on a bigger scale. For instance, the company is planning to launch a pilot program that will clean up plastic pollution in the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Additionally, BioCellection is collaborating with an ocean conservation organization to connect with companies that can use the chemical product of its plastic recycling process, including apparel companies such as Adidas.