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

Look back at UNC Commencement through the years
UNC celebrates the newest Tar Heel graduates at Spring Commencement on Saturday at Kenan Stadium. Commencement has a long history at Carolina. UNC was the...
Sat May 9, 2026

UNC Commencement Weekend Athletic Events Know Before You Go
With several home athletic events and commencement ceremonies dotting campus, parking will be complicated in Chapel Hill this weekend. Women's Tennis, Women's Lacrosse and Men's...
Fri May 8, 2026

Heart of a Heel encourages organ donor registration
Three Carolina seniors used experiences from their undergraduate studies and inspirational stories from other Tar Heels to help save lives. Rotimi Kukoyi, Emma Montero and...
Tue May 5, 2026

Roy Williams shares wisdom with Carolina seniors
Roy Williams is a basketball legend, a three-time national champion head coach, and, a proud Carolina alumnus. "You are a graduate of the University of...
Mon May 4, 2026