For Type 4 & 5 plastics, upcycling is hard. It requires two stages, temperatures of over 200°C, lots of energy and the process can produce undesired by-products.
Researchers have identified a one stage, faster process, requiring less energy and temperatures of around 70°C. The process also minimises unwanted by-products and still produces desired chemicals, fuels and other high-value materials from the plastic waste.