Recycling

In the packaging war between paper and plastic, plastic has remained indispensable in one vital aspect: sealing. Until now, reliable paper seals have required adhesives or plastic layers. Scientists may have found a way to eliminate both.

A new method “recharges” battery waste material to release lithium. It eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and energy-intensive smelting, offering a valuable path for green energy transition.

An experimental robotic gripper from Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) utilizes a pair of lobster tails as twin fingers. Because it uses actual animal tissue, this “hand” isn’t bio-mimicked. It’s bio-derived.

While lithium extraction technologies generally focus on ways to get the essential metal out of the ground, there's another source to mine: existing batteries that no longer work. A new technique could now make that process economically viable.

A more sustainable electrolyte made from a class of molecules as strong as stable as the Kevlar that goes into bulletproof vests could soon make it easier than ever to recycle EV batteries – and a whole lot more eco-friendly too.

Researchers at the University of Portsmouth in the UK have developed a way to use powdered discarded glass in building blocks for construction, which could make this versatile material a lot more sustainable.

Pirelli has launched its first full production tires with over 70% bio-based and recycled materials. The new line of P Zero tires was developed for Jaguar Land Rover, and include Forest Stewardship Council certification for natural rubber.

It isn't easy to recycle high-voltage batteries from electric cars, but Porsche wants to take a stab at it. The plan: extract raw materials from old EV batteries to make fresh ones for its own electric models.

Lego is the largest tire manufacturer by volume in the world – even though its tires are among the smallest on the planet. The Danish toy company is now making those tires out of recycled materials like fishing nets, engine oil, and rope.

Although it is possible to recycle Plexiglass, it's a complex and inefficient process, so it generally just isn't done. A simple new technique, however, is claimed to break the plastic down into all of its building blocks for near-complete recycling.

Motorcycle-related waste is a serious problem. And apparently, there’s more waste from motorcycle gear than from the actual machine itself – particularly helmets. Dainese has thus started a ground-breaking helmet recycling strategy.

Italian and Japanese researchers have developed a novel method to free copper wire from its PVC coating, by treating electric cables with microwaves. The technique could go a long way towards helping tackle the growing problem of e-waste.