Researchers in Belfast discover new ways to convert single use plastics into larger items

The world produces over 300 million tonnes of plastics every year but single use items are usually not designed to be recycled.

Researchers in Belfast discover new ways to convert single use plastics into larger items

Researchers at Queen's University in Belfast have discovered new ways to convert single use plastics into larger items such as kayaks, canoes and storage tanks.

The world produces over 300 million tonnes of plastics every year but single use items are usually not designed to be recycled.

Those working on the project say it will substantially reduce the amount of post-consumer waste going to landfill.

Mark Kearns is one of the managers working on the scheme at Queen's University and he says it's a game-changer for the recycling industry.

"Rather than recycling a plastic milk bottle into another plastic milk bottle, what we can actually do is take up to 1,000 of these milk bottles and convert them into plastic that we can use in one particular product," he revealed.

"This hasn't been done before."

more courts articles

Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges Former DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson arrives at court to face sex charges
Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court Case against Jeffrey Donaldson to be heard in court
Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody Defendant in Cobh murder case further remanded in custody

More in this section

Number of Catholic marriages fall in 2023 with almost a third opting for civil ceremonies Number of Catholic marriages fall in 2023 with almost a third opting for civil ceremonies
Five charged as garda commissioner condemns 'unacceptable scenes' at Newtownmountkennedy Five charged as garda commissioner condemns 'unacceptable scenes' at Newtownmountkennedy
Gardaí at scene of fire at disused property in Co Wicklow Gardaí at scene of fire at disused property in Co Wicklow
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited