Warsaw University of Technology students research ways to reduce plastic carbon footprint

Students from the Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering at Warsaw University of Technology have conducted research into reducing the carbon footprint of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) without compromising its material properties.

Working on a research project supervised by Professor Kamila Sałasińska and in collaboration with Grolman Sp. z o.o., researchers Sara Ciborowska, Bartosz Sawiak, and Maciej Harasimiuk tested the addition of UBQ—a material produced from municipal waste unsuitable for traditional recycling—to HDPE.

The study evaluated how varying levels of UBQ affect processing, mechanical properties, microstructure, and resistance to accelerated aging. Findings indicated that UBQ reduces material porosity, aiding structural packing and influencing resistance to dynamic loads. The researchers determined that a 3% UBQ content provided the most effective balance between lowering the carbon footprint and maintaining beneficial functional properties.