Stanford, IBM getting closer to 'green' plastic (Silicon Valley)

Scientists from International Business Machines Corp. and Stanford University on Tuesday announced discoveries that could lead to the development of new types of biodegradable, bio-compatible plastics.

The results of a multi-year research effort were detailed in a paper published in the American Chemical Society journal.

Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM and Stanford collaborated to find a new recycling process "that has the potential to significantly increase the ability to recycle and reuse common PET and plant-based plastics in the future. Today's announcement may have sustainability implications across a wide range of industries including biodegradable plastics, plastics recycling, healthcare and microelectronics," the groups said.

"We're exploring new methods of applying technology and our expertise in materials science to create a sustainable, environmentally sound future," said Josephine Cheng, IBM Fellow and vice president, IBM Research-Almaden.

Read the full post in the Silicon Valley/San Jose Business Journal.