Cello-gum Innovation Revolutionizes the Food Industry: Turning Coconut Jelly Biowaste into Billions in Raw Material Value

“Cello-gum”, a groundbreaking innovation by Prof. Dr. Hathaikarn Manuspiya from the Petroleum and Petrochemical College at Chulalongkorn University, transforms coconut jelly biowaste into valuable food ingredients worth billions of baht.

Argonne scientists use AI to identify new materials for carbon capture

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory have used new generative AI techniques to propose new metal-organic framework materials that could offer enhanced abilities to capture carbon

Boosting circular economy in the automotive sector

New vehicles are responsible for around ten percent of plastic demand in the EU, and the automotive sector is the number one consumer of raw materials like aluminum, magnesium, platinum group metals, and rare earth elements. A new set of provisions, proposed by the European Commission last week to revise the EU End-of-Life Vehicles Directive, intends to enhance the circularity of the automotive sector. Empa researchers played a crucial role in defining the content of this new proposal.

What can we do about all the plastic waste?

The Institute for the Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics (iCOUP) is helping to address the plastic waste accumulation problem by developing the science needed to turn used plastic into valuable materials.

Argonne is helping U.S. companies advance battery recycling technology and strengthen the nation’s battery supply chain

Companies from across the United States have partnered with the experts at Argonne to advance their battery reuse and recycling projects, thanks to funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Children and researchers envision a sustainable world

What might life in a circular economy look like? Empa and the St. Gallen University of Teacher Education (PHSG) are collaborating with gifted children to develop visions for a sustainable future and to compile them into an illustrated children’s book. The visions will combine the creativity of children with the expert knowledge of researchers.

Chula’s Potassium Liquid Soap from Used Cooking Oil for a Greener Environment and Circular Economy

A researcher from Chulalongkorn University’s Institute for Environmental Research has made it possible to transform used vegetable oil into potassium liquid soap that cleanses effectively, is water soluble, 100% biodegradable, and safe for the wastewater treatment system.

5 big strides from Argonne towards nuclear energy’s future

Nuclear energy is an exciting carbon-free energy source. Recent work at Argonne National Laboratory shows how nuclear energy can improve and why it is such an enticing resource in the fight against climate change.

Print, Recycle, Repeat: Scientists Demonstrate a Biodegradable Printed Circuit

Scientists have developed a fully recyclable and biodegradable printed circuit. The advance could divert wearable devices and other flexible electronics from landfill, and mitigate the health and environmental hazards posed by heavy metal waste.

Circular economy to boost the 2030 agenda for sustainable development

Circular economy is a brilliant concept that has found its way not only in elevating various aspects of our lives but also in solidifying future plans and goals for a sustainable society. In that sense, it also has high potential in achieving United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development goals (SDGs) that was adopted in 2015 with the motive of “transforming our world”.

Chula Successfully Converts Carbon Dioxide to Methanol – Reduces Global Warming, and Adds Value to the Circular Economy

An Engineering professor, Chulalongkorn University has successfully converted carbon dioxide to methanol via a thermochemical method that consumes less energy and provides more yield, providing an alternative solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and stimulate the circular economy.

Eco-energy without limits?

Even a sustainable circular economy doesn’t run without energy. Solar panels and wind farms, tidal and geothermal power plants: They all divert energy from energy fluxes that had remained untapped since time immemorial. The question is therefore: What part of these energy fluxes can mankind use for its own purposes without damaging the Earth’s energy system? Empa researchers have developed an approach to estimate this.

With this new science, plastics could see a second life as biodegradable surfactants

Scientists at the Institute for Cooperative Upcycling of Plastics (iCOUP) have discovered a chemical process that provides biodegradable chemicals, which are used as surfactants and detergents in a range of applications, from discarded plastics.

Scientists gain insight into recycling processes for nuclear and electronic waste

Scientists investigate a process that recycles nuclear and electronic waste materials to extend their lifetime and reduce expensive and invasive mining.