Revolutionary process converts plastic waste into Acetaminophen for sustainable drug production
Jul 5, 2025


Source: Economic Times
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In a groundbreaking development, researchers have discovered a way to turn commonly used plastic waste into acetaminophen (paracetamol), a widely used over-the-counter painkiller. This innovative method, developed with support from AstraZeneca, transforms polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into valuable pharmaceutical ingredients, offering a sustainable solution to both plastic waste and drug manufacturing challenges.
Key highlights
Conversion of plastic to Acetaminophen
Common PET plastic waste, found in water bottles and food packaging, is converted into acetaminophen using a fermentation process.
The process works at room temperature and takes less than 24 hours, generating zero carbon emissions.
Support and development
The method is developed with the support of AstraZeneca and published in Nature Chemistry.
PET plastic, which accounts for more than 350 million tons of waste globally, can now be turned into useful products, including drugs.
Environmental and healthcare benefits
This breakthrough offers a sustainable approach to solving the global plastic waste problem and can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels for manufacturing acetaminophen.
The innovation can lower the environmental impact of drug production and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.
Next steps and commercial viability
While successful in lab tests, further development is required to scale the process for commercial production of acetaminophen from PET plastic.
Global impact
This innovation could serve as a model for more eco-friendly and cost-effective drug production, addressing two critical global challenges: plastic waste and healthcare access.
The new method of converting plastic waste into acetaminophen not only provides a solution for one of the world’s largest environmental issues but also offers a more sustainable and affordable way to produce essential medicines. As further research is conducted, this breakthrough could pave the way for future eco-friendly pharmaceutical production methods.
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Revolutionary process converts plastic waste into Acetaminophen for sustainable drug production
Jul 5, 2025


Source: Economic Times
In a groundbreaking development, researchers have discovered a way to turn commonly used plastic waste into acetaminophen (paracetamol), a widely used over-the-counter painkiller. This innovative method, developed with support from AstraZeneca, transforms polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste into valuable pharmaceutical ingredients, offering a sustainable solution to both plastic waste and drug manufacturing challenges.
Key highlights
Conversion of plastic to Acetaminophen
Common PET plastic waste, found in water bottles and food packaging, is converted into acetaminophen using a fermentation process.
The process works at room temperature and takes less than 24 hours, generating zero carbon emissions.
Support and development
The method is developed with the support of AstraZeneca and published in Nature Chemistry.
PET plastic, which accounts for more than 350 million tons of waste globally, can now be turned into useful products, including drugs.
Environmental and healthcare benefits
This breakthrough offers a sustainable approach to solving the global plastic waste problem and can reduce the dependency on fossil fuels for manufacturing acetaminophen.
The innovation can lower the environmental impact of drug production and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.
Next steps and commercial viability
While successful in lab tests, further development is required to scale the process for commercial production of acetaminophen from PET plastic.
Global impact
This innovation could serve as a model for more eco-friendly and cost-effective drug production, addressing two critical global challenges: plastic waste and healthcare access.
The new method of converting plastic waste into acetaminophen not only provides a solution for one of the world’s largest environmental issues but also offers a more sustainable and affordable way to produce essential medicines. As further research is conducted, this breakthrough could pave the way for future eco-friendly pharmaceutical production methods.
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Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved
Copyright © 2024 Pharmacy Pro. All rights reserved