This is actually incorrect, you can absolutely break plastic into its basic constituents and create new plastic. But that costs more than simply using already existing oil.

The cheaper downcycle method is roughly separating the plastics and using certain ones to make new items like plastic bags, buckets etc.

[–] Venus_Ziegenfalle@feddit.org 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

You can? I thought it deteriorates with every time that's being done but maybe that's just true for the methods that are economically viable.

[–] Eheran@lemmy.world 5 points 2 days ago (1 children)

The polymer decomposes when you heat it up, yes. But you can also start from scratch, so to speak. But that is a more involved process. The same way you can reuse steel or melt it completely new.

[–] Venus_Ziegenfalle@feddit.org 1 points 2 days ago

That's interesting, thanks for the input!