University of Limerick researchers to tackle problem of single-use plastics

RESEARCHERS at the University of Limerick believe they can tackle the scourge of plastic bottle waste, by recycling single-use bottles into composites to be turned into car and tractor parts.

The Irish Composites Centre (IComp), at the UL Bernal Institute has now received funding from Enterprise Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency to further its research in the field. 

The technology developed by IComp turns plastic bottles into a high tensile fibre that can be woven into a fabric used in the vehicle production industry, according to Dr Walter Stanley of IComp.

“If successfully commercialised, this project would turn plastic bottles into a valuable raw material and stimulate greater recycling,” Dr Stanley said.