KADEN STALEY/MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
Turning plastic waste into food for humans? That sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s exactly what researchers at DARPA are aiming for. With the goal of solving the world’s plastic pollution problem while also addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and hazardous waste disposal, DARPA is funding innovative projects that push the boundaries of conventional thinking.
Leonard Tender, a program manager at DARPA, believes in supporting high-risk, high-reward projects that have the potential to be true scientific breakthroughs. The world produces 440 million tons of plastic waste each year, leading to environmental disasters like microplastic pollution in landfills and oceans. Traditional recycling methods have fallen short, prompting DARPA to explore cutting-edge solutions.
While scientists have experimented with plastic-eating bacteria for some time, DARPA is taking a unique approach by developing a system that transforms plastic waste into nutrition for humans. Dr. Jared Techtmann and his team at Michigan Tech are at the forefront of this groundbreaking research, working on a compact and mobile solution to address plastic waste consumption.
In the beginning, the effort “felt a lot more science-fiction than really something that would work.”
While the idea may seem far-fetched, the potential benefits are immense. DARPA’s innovative approach could revolutionize how we view plastic waste and provide a sustainable solution to a global crisis.
KADEN STALEY/MICHIGAN TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
At Michigan Tech, the innovative system starts with a mechanical shredder to break down plastics into smaller particles. These particles then undergo a pyrolysis process in reactors, breaking down different types of plastics into compounds that can be converted into fuels and lubricants.
David Shonnard, a chemical engineer at Michigan Tech, is leading the commercialization efforts for this technology, with the potential to transform plastic waste into valuable resources. DARPA’s forward-thinking approach to plastic waste management could pave the way for a sustainable future with new possibilities for recycling and resource recovery.