Innovative Approaches to Plastic Waste Management

This technical report outlines various innovative strategies developed by researchers at NTU Singapore to tackle the growing issue of plastic pollution. The report begins by detailing the environmental impact of plastic waste, emphasizing the challenges associated with recycling, particularly for e-waste and single-use plastics. It presents a novel approach where e-waste plastics, specifically acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), are repurposed to create a synthetic matrix for cell culture, enabling the growth of cancer spheroids that mimic actual tumors. Additionally, the report discusses a method for converting hard-to-recycle plastics into solid carbon additives for polymer foams, enhancing their properties while producing hydrogen as a byproduct. Furthermore, it describes a greener technique for breaking down plastics using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a catalyst, resulting in valuable chemical compounds for energy storage. Each method aims to reduce plastic waste and promote a circular economy, highlighting the importance of innovative solutions in addressing environmental challenges.