In 2023, Virginia Tech researchers turned plastic bags and food containers into soap-making surfactants; the products could be worth about $3,550 a ton in a lab-scale process

Scientists at Virginia Tech have pioneered an innovative method to convert plastic waste into valuable soap compounds. By breaking down everyday plastics such as polyethylene and polypropylene, they can produce surfactants that are more financially rewarding than raw plastic materials. Efforts are now underway to scale this promising breakthrough for industrial use, which could play a crucial role in addressing the global plastic waste challenge.