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Sir David Attenborough Backs New Tech That Can Recycle All Plastics (www.forbes.com)

submitted 3 years ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago)

Disclaimer: I didnt watch their video but did read the article.

How does this:

Mura’s recycling process, branded HydroPRS, took 12 years to develop and uses supercritical steam—steam that is superheated under great pressure—to break down plastics back into the oils and chemicals they were made from. Those components can then be used for a range of products, from new plastics to fuels.

Help long term, wouldnt we just be moving the problem from one section to another? Im thinking that the fuel isnt clean burning, the manuafactoring process wont be able to be used purely with components freed by this method, etc.

I can see some definitive ways it helps, but didnt know if anyone has a better handle on some of the implications.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago) (1 children)

This is a good thing, but at the end of the day, it still uses energy, and doesn't solve the problem that the majority of plastics are derived from petroleum, and petroleum refinement is an extremely dirty process.

While this has its place, I think we need to focus more on changing societal attitudes about plastic at both the regulatory and consumer levels, investing in the development of biodegradable plant-based plastics like hemp plastic, as well as shifting toward multi-use products as opposed to single use whenever possible.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 years ago

And microplastics still pollute water and soil since they come from the deterioration of objects still in use

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 years ago* (last edited 3 years ago)

This new process does sound promising. But I still think other solutions are needed. as:

There is no incentive for individuals to recycle and many still don't.
There are other matierials that this process will not work with.

I guess 1. can might eventually be solved by AI sorting everything that is thrown away.

The best solution I can think of is to outlaw single use plastics. Have every product in a re-useable container that you get a small re-imbursement for returning. This solves 1. and 2. and is allready possible with some products in some shops. Examples:

Even though some effort has been made and some shops exist that offer this, I don't think it will be popular until there is regulation to ban single use plsatics.