Oxford’s Repolywise Unveils Atomic Scissors to Cut Emissions

Start-up founded by Oxford University researchers, Repolywise, has introduced the 'Atomic Scissors' technology, aimed at addressing the escalating global plastic waste problem that will address Scope 3 | Category 5 | Waste generated in operations emissions. The pioneering technology utilises a revolutionary hydrocracking process to break down plastics at the atomic level, positioning Repolywise as a leader in sustainable plastic recycling.

Supported by US$498,000 (£375,000) in grants from Innovate UK, the company’s breakthrough holds immense promise in solving Scope 3 challenges.

Repolywise is a forward-thinking technology company dedicated to developing sustainable solutions to combat the global plastic waste crisis. Founded by Oxford University researchers, the company integrates world-class research with practical applications to create innovative recycling solutions.

The Atomic Scissors technology represents a major advancement in chemical recycling, offering a viable path toward reducing plastic waste and fostering a circular economy.

Atomic-level breakdown of plastics

Repolywise’s Atomic Scissors technology applies a selective, high-efficiency process to degrade polyolefins, a common but hard-to-recycle type of plastic, into valuable raw materials. In its current laboratory-scale form, the technology has successfully demonstrated its ability to break down diverse samples of waste plastics, marking a significant proof-of-concept for this advanced hydrocracking technique.

The key advantage of this process is its ability to convert waste plastics into propane, which is then used in the petrochemical industry to create new polyolefins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

The innovative method not only reduces plastic waste but supports the circular economy, as highlighted by Dr. Bryan Ng, Founder and CEO of Repolywise:
"Our Atomic Scissors technology represents a crucial breakthrough in tackling the global plastic waste crisis. By transforming hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable raw materials, we're not just reducing waste — we're enabling a circular economy that redefines how we produce and reuse plastics for a sustainable future."

How Atomic Scissors technology works

The Atomic Scissors process operates by selectively converting plastic waste into propane through a one-step reaction. This propane can then be dehydrogenated or cracked into olefins, which serve as building blocks for new plastic materials like PE and PP.

The ability to recycle polyolefin plastics—such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which account for about 50% of the 330 billion kilograms of plastic produced annually—makes this technology particularly valuable.

Current recycling methods often result in downcycling, turning plastics into lower-quality materials. In contrast, Repolywise’s technology maintains the high quality of the recycled materials, offering a more sustainable and efficient solution. The Atomic Scissors process is more energy-efficient than traditional hydrocracking techniques, delivering higher yields with lower energy inputs.

Scaling for commercial application

While Atomic Scissors has shown remarkable success at the laboratory scale, the next challenge is scaling it for commercial use. Currently, the technology operates on a small 2-gram batch process. However, Repolywise plans to scale it to 2 kilograms in the next development phase.

With additional funding, the company aims to reach a commercial-scale capacity of 2 tonnes using a semi-flow process. The transition marks a crucial step towards the industrial application of the technology.

What makes Atomic Scissors especially promising is its ability to operate under relatively mild conditions with high selectivity, significantly reducing costs compared to other chemical recycling processes. The cost-effectiveness, combined with the capacity to handle challenging plastics, positions Repolywise’s innovation as a potential game-changer in global plastic waste reduction.

Sustainability and compliance

Repolywise is also dedicated to ensuring its operations meet the highest environmental standards. The company is working towards obtaining ISCC certification, which will validate its mass balance approach and sustainability efforts.

The certification will further demonstrate the company's commitment to responsible and eco-friendly recycling practices.

Backed by US$498,000 (£375,000) from Innovate UK, Repolywise is conducting additional research and development at Oxford University’s AgileLab in Begbroke Science Park. It continues to harness cutting-edge research and innovation from Oxford University to scale its Atomic Scissors technology and drive the future of sustainable plastic recycling.

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