"Green" Plastics - Green Production
CO² into Plastic with No Greenhouse Gas Emissions Source: Stock Image - Green Plastic University of Toronto Green Research University of Toronto scientists have created a copper catalyst that converts CO² into ethylene to produce plastic. There are no greenhouse gases, such as methane, output and emissions. This new technique could lead to the green production of commonly used plastics along with sequestering greenhouse gas through carbon capture technology. How It Works - The "Magic Metal" At the heart of the process is the CO² reduction reaction. An electrical current converts CO² into other chemicals. The chemical reaction is triggered by a catalyst composed of copper. Copper is the key to this. Scientists call it the "magic metal". Only copper can produce ethylene which is used to produce the most common form of plastic - polyethylene plastic. "Green" Plastic Future This is a promising, new, green and sustainable way to make plastic.