By funding technology development from basic research to deployment, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports the mitigation of waste, lowering of GHG emissions, and reduction of energy consumption associated with plastic production and use. A department-wide strategy has been developed that tackles numerous facets of polymer recycling, including developing chemical, biological, and thermal polymer deconstruction pathways; advancing methods to make mechanical recycling more efficient and economic; and designing new materials to be inherently recycleable. The goals for this work include: developing recycling pathways for at least 90% of plastic materials; reducing the energy consumed and emissions released throughout the plastic lifecycle by at least 50% compared to virgin plastic production; and ensuring at least 75% of the carbon in "waste" plastic is used in future applications. This talk will discuss the variety of approaches taken by DOE to meet these goals.

Polymer circularity at the U.S. Department of Energy

Fall 2022 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch in mid-September.

ACS Fall 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.