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

Rick Dees - UNC alum, legendary radio DJ, and singer - turns 76
Rick Dees was born in Jacksonville, Florida and raised in Greensboro, NC. He began his radio career in high school at a Greensboro radio station...
Sun Apr 26, 2026

From a Dirt Road to a Destination: A History of Franklin Street
In Chapel Hill, Franklin Street has been the main thoroughfare for decades and a must-see destination. When residents welcome guests to town, they take them...
Fri Apr 24, 2026

Carolina is calling Eric Church home
Country music superstar Eric Church has traveled the world performing songs for millions of fans. Through it all, one thing kept him connected to North...
Thu Apr 23, 2026

UNC earns top national rankings for graduate education
Numerous UNC graduate programs received high rankings in the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Graduate Schools” list, with 20 placing among the top 10...
Wed Apr 22, 2026