Researchers turn PET waste into anti-cancer medicines

A major scientific breakthrough led by the University of St Andrews has revealed a new way to convert everyday household plastic waste, such as plastic bottles and synthetic textiles, into key components used to produce anti-cancer medicines. The discovery shows how PET (polyethylene terephthalate) can be transformed into valuable chemicals for pharmaceutical and industrial use.

In research published on Thursday, 18 December, in Angewandte Chemie International Edition, scientists reported that a ruthenium-catalysed semi-hydrogenation process can break down PET waste into a valuable compound called ethyl-4-hydroxymethyl benzoate (EHMB). This compound plays an important role in chemical synthesis.

EHMB is a crucial intermediate used to produce several important products, including the widely used cancer drug Imatinib, Tranexamic acid and the insecticide Fenpyroximate.

At present, these medicines and chemicals are typically made using fossil-based raw materials and hazardous reagents, which generate large amounts of waste. The researchers found that their new method offers clear environmental advantages over conventional production processes. A streamlined life cycle assessment showed reduced environmental impact by identifying and minimising the most harmful stages of production.

Dr Amit Kumar from the School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews, lead author of the study, said the discovery presents a new way of viewing PET waste as a valuable resource for producing high-value pharmaceutical ingredients and agrochemicals. He explained that while chemical recycling is essential for a circular economy, many existing methods are not economically viable.