Scientists from Boise State University have developed a new kind of plastic made from poly(ethyl cyanoacrylate) or PECA, which is derived from the monomer used to make Super Glue. Unlike existing plastics, PECA isn’t made from crude oil or its derivatives. Approximately 93% of the new plastic could be recycled into clean starter materials. If manufactured at industrial scales, PECA plastic could replace polystyrene plastics that are not accepted in most curbside recycling programs. The researchers believe their new plastic could offer a competitive alternative to other forms of plastic beyond polystyrene in time.
Source: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adg2295