Scientists Upcycle Plastics into Carbon Capture Technology
03.10.2025
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a breakthrough material called BAETA, made from discarded PET plastics, that can efficiently capture CO₂ from air and industrial exhausts. The innovation not only addresses the global plastic waste problem but also offers a scalable tool in the fight against climate change.
PET plastic is one of the world’s most widely used materials – but once discarded, it becomes an environmental burden. With BAETA, researchers now upcycle this waste into an effective carbon capture solution.
"The beauty of this method is that we solve a problem without creating a new one. By turning waste into a raw material that can actively reduce greenhouse gases, we make an environmental issue part of the solution to the climate crisis," says Margarita Poderyte from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Copenhagen.
How the Technology Works
- PET waste is broken down from polymer to monomer.
- By adding ethylenediamine, the material gains strong CO₂-binding capacity.
- BAETA efficiently absorbs CO₂ and releases it again through heating, ready for storage or reuse.
The powdery material can be pelletized and withstands temperatures up to 150°C, making it suitable for use in industrial chimneys.
"One of the impressive things about this material is that it stays effective for a long time. With tolerance to high temperatures, the material can be used at the end of industrial plants where the exhausts are typically hot," adds Associate Professor Jiwoong Lee.
Scalable and Sustainable Innovation
Unlike traditional recycling, the BAETA process targets low-quality or decomposed PET that can no longer be reused. This transforms overlooked waste into a valuable climate technology – a real example of circular economy in action.
"The main ingredient is plastic waste that would otherwise have an unsustainable afterlife. The chemical synthesis is gentler than other CO₂ capture methods and can be scaled up more easily," explains Poderyte.
From Laboratory to Industry
The research, published in Science Advances, demonstrates BAETA’s potential for large-scale application. The next step is industrial production.
"We see great potential for this material, not just in the lab, but in real-life carbon capture plants. The next big step is scaling up to produce the material in tonnes, and we’re already working to attract investments and make our invention a financially sustainable business venture," Poderyte adds.
Cleaning the Oceans – and the Air
With millions of tonnes of PET waste polluting the oceans, BAETA could also drive clean-up efforts.
"If we can get our hands on the highly decomposed PET plastic floating in the world’s oceans, it will be a valuable resource for us as it’s so well suited for upcycling with our method," Poderyte explains.
Lee concludes: "Our material can create a very concrete economic incentive to cleanse the oceans of plastic."
Exhibitors & products around recycling
- Recycling plants
- Separating and sorting systems for waste
- Size reduction equipment (crushers, shredders, grinders)
- Compounding lines
- Recyclates
At a glance
The University of Copenhagen has developed BAETA, a new CO₂ capture material made from discarded PET plastics. Designed for low-quality or decomposed waste, it upcycles plastics into a reusable sorbent that binds CO₂ from air and exhausts. Published in Science Advances, the innovation shows potential for large-scale industry and ocean clean-up.