Japan’s beam tech transforms forever plastics into reusable feedstock

Researchers in Japan have developed an innovative electron beam technique to recycle polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, with significantly improved energy efficiency. By combining moderate heat with electron beam irradiation, the method fully decomposes PTFE at 370 °C (698 °F), which is substantially lower than the 600−1000 °C required by conventional pyrolysis. This approach cuts the energy consumption for recycling from 2.8–4 MWh per ton to roughly half, making large-scale recycling of this durable fluoropolymer more economically viable. The process converts solid PTFE into gaseous oxidized fluorocarbons and perfluoroalkanes, which can potentially be captured and reused as raw materials in chemical manufacturing, promoting a circular economy for these persistent plastics. The research also found that high-temperature irradiation alters the internal structure of PTFE, enhancing its decomposition efficiency. PTFE belongs to the PFAS family, often called “forever chemicals” due