Chiba University researchers develop method to turn plastic waste into fertilizer

Associate Professor Daisuke Aoki of Chiba University has developed a polymer system designed to transform waste plastic into fertilizers that actively benefit ecosystems. Published in Scientific Reports, the research describes a method to move beyond passive recycling strategies toward processes that offer direct environmental benefits.

Aoki’s research utilizes a process called ammonolysis, which uses anhydrous ammonia to depolymerize materials. This method can convert specific polymers into components such as urea and other substances useful for agricultural applications, potentially addressing the global issue of plastic pollution in landfills and oceans.