Slashing emissions with polymer fashion

A new textile created by researchers in the US use poly(ethylene) from old plastic bags to make a new fabric with excellent cooling and stain-resistant properties. It’s recycling credentials also mean it could contribute significantly both to cut the ecological footprint of the fashion industry and reduce the world’s plastic waste mountain.

You can use this article to introduce a lesson on the uses and properties of polymers with your 14–16 chemistry students. Download the accompanying starter slide for use in your classroom.