Technology & Humanity
Scientists Discover Low-Energy Way To Recycle Acrylic Glass
From Good News Network · October 21, 2026
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a new method for recycling acrylic glass, commonly known as Plexiglas, into high-quality monomers. According to the study published in Nature Chemistry, the process uses a single, inexpensive chemical and requires no solvents. The reaction begins at just over 200°C, which lead author Richard Whitfield stated is approximately half the heat required by previous recycling methods.
The team reported recovering up to 98% of the material as pure monomers, even when the original acrylic was dyed or contained impurities. Because the process works with existing equipment, researchers noted that companies may not require expensive overhauls to implement it. ETH Zurich has filed a patent and is seeking industry partners to scale the method, with hopes that the approach could eventually be adapted for other plastics like polystyrene.
A factual summary prepared by The Quantum Disciple. The original report belongs to its publisher.