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If solved2040s? · If Solved (becomes possible)

Formal Sciences & Matter / Chemistry & Materials

Closed Plastic Cycle

All plastic is collected and turned back into new, equal-quality plastic, with no waste leaking into the environment.

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If catalysts and processes can break any plastic mixture into its building blocks economically, plastic becomes a reusable material rather than waste. That needs both the chemistry and a policy framework that makes recycled material cheaper than new.

What it brings

  • Near-zero plastic waste
  • Less crude oil used for plastics
  • Cleaner oceans and soils

Prerequisites

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All 44 points in Chemistry & Materials →

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