Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –
How could nuclear technology revolutionise plastic recycling?
Today, plastic is used to make everything from water bottles and medical devices to building materials and clothing. The material is an integral part of our daily lives. However, only about 9 percent plastic, and 91 percent ends up in landfills and pollutes the seas, oceans, soil and even the air we breathe.
Last year alone, the world was formed 400 million tons plastic waste. Many plastic items are not designed to be reused or recycled, and some can only be recycled once or twice. In addition, plastic does not decompose naturally. Instead, discarded plastic breaks down into tiny fragments called microplastics, which can be toxic to humans and the environment.
One innovative solution to this problem is based on advances in nuclear science. The IAEA is using nuclear technology to understand and address plastic pollution and the crisis it is causing. Through the initiative “NUTEK plastics”, which was launched in 2021, the Agency helps countries study microplastics already in the marine environment and use nuclear techniques to improve recycling technologies, ultimately reducing the amount of plastic waste ending up in the ocean.
In honor of World Environment Day, we interviewed Selina Horak, an IAEA expert on the use of radiation to recycle plastic.
How can we use nuclear science to prevent the negative impacts of plastic waste on our oceans and our lives?
Nuclear science offers the opportunity to find innovative solutions to the problem of plastic pollution throughout its entire life cycle. To tackle this problem, we need to understand its root causes. According to research, about 80 percent of plastic in the sea comes from land (the remaining 20 percent comes from ocean sources such as fishing nets, etc.), so measures taken on land are especially important.
The IAEA applies cutting-edge technology in two ways: first, we use radiation to create bioplastics, a sustainable alternative to conventional oil-based plastics. In simple terms, we are working to develop new materials that are both biodegradable and easily recyclable. This approach can not only reduce dependence on fossil fuels, but also support a circular economy by turning organic waste into a valuable resource.
Second, we use radiation technologies to create more durable, strong, and valuable products from plastic waste. For example, radiation technologies can improve the properties of concrete by partially replacing cement with recycled plastic. Nuclear methods can more effectively sort and separate polymers in mixed plastic waste streams. In addition, we are exploring the use of pyrolysis to transform plastics under the influence of radiation into different types of plastic material, fuels, and other valuable chemical additives.
Will new products made from irradiated plastic be dangerous?
Not at all — quite the opposite. Radiation is considered a form of “green chemistry” because it does not require toxic chemicals or extreme conditions like heat or pressure. When we use radiation to create new types of biopolymer-based plastics or recycle plastic waste, it is a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly process.
The radiation itself does not make the material radioactive. As with dental X-rays, the radiation passes through tissues but does not remain in the body. The same principle applies here: after processing, the materials do not become radioactive and are absolutely safe to use.
You mentioned using nuclear technology to improve plastic recycling methods. Is this work already underway?
Of the 52 countries collaborating with the IAEA on the NUTEC Plastics initiative to recycle plastics, nine have already opened their first plants – and are turning promising ideas into reality. These countries are rapidly advancing through the Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) – an internationally recognised nine-step system that tracks the maturity of technologies from conceptual design to commercial deployment.
We are already getting impressive, tangible results.
Indonesia and the Philippines are developing wood-plastic composites for sustainable construction. In Malaysia, plastic waste is being turned into fuel. In Argentina, durable railroad ties made from recycled plastic are showing promise in early testing.
These pilot projects are not just experiments, but proof of progress. We expect that some of these technologies will reach the final level of technological readiness and we will begin preparing for their full-scale implementation as early as next year.
Why did you, as a scientist, decide to study this particular issue?
I have always believed that science should be a catalyst for meaningful and lasting change. This belief has led me to focus on plastic recycling and finding alternatives to petroleum-based materials – areas where the environmental challenges we face today can be directly addressed through innovation.
With over 30 years of experience working in the field of ionizing radiation, I have seen first-hand the untapped potential of ionizing radiation to transform waste into valuable resources. This work is more than just research: it is an effort to create a circular economy that will preserve ecosystems, reduce humanity’s carbon footprint, protect nature, and improve the sustainability of our planet – for future generations.
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