World leaders are still trying to figure out how to handle the hundreds of millions of tons of plastic waste generated every year. Back in the 1990s, it was tough to switch on the TV and not see ads or shows offering viewers a simple solution: to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastics. Nice words, but it turns out that wasn’t enough to solve the problem. New high tech methods have shown promise in breaking down plastics or creating new ones that are easier to recycle. But they’re expensive alternatives. Will the economics work out? WSJ’s Danny Lewis sorts through the future of plastics recycling.

Would you pay more for plastic products designed to be easily recycled? Email us at [email protected] 

Further reading: 

U.S. Recycles 5% of Plastic Waste, Studies Show 

The 100% Recyclable Running Shoe That’s Only Available by Subscription 

‘Widely Recyclable’ Label Introduced to Plastic Packaging 

Soda Brands Are About to Get Possessive of Their Trash 

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