UNC Researcher Seeks to Reduce Plastic Waste Through Molecular Changes

Posted Sep 21, 2023
Frank Leibfarth, a University of North Carolina chemistry professor, says one of his lab’s goals is to make the plastics economy more sustainable. His research studies the materials that make up plastics, specifically polyethylene and polypropylene. Those are byproducts of refining crude oil and can be found in everything from packaging to bottles to toys. (Chapelboro.com)

Related: Campus Connections

Chapel Hill-Carrboro Openings, Closings and Updates in January-March 2026
Kipos Greek Taverna returned to operations in Eastgate Crossing after months of restoration following Chantal’s flooding last summer. Located in the back corner of the...
Fri Jun 5, 2026

UNC Journalism School Takes Hearst Prize for 8th Consecutive Year
The University of North Carolina Hussman School of Journalism and Media won the overall intercollegiate first place title at the Hearst Journalism Awards Program’s Intercollegiate...
Thu Jun 4, 2026

How To Spend A Weekend In Chapel Hill, According To A Local
Pulling into Chapel Hill, is special, so drive up slowly. As you cruise along the main drag, Franklin Street, you’ll approach the heart of the...
Tue Jun 2, 2026

Carolina astronomers capture images of the cosmos
The difficulties associated with obtaining these rare glimpses of the cosmos make the stories behind them all the more mesmerizing. The UNC College of Arts...
Mon Jun 1, 2026