Designing for Circularity: Recycling Technologies and AI-Driven Plastic Redesign

Speaker

Katrina Knauer

Senior Researcher, NREL

CTO, BOTTLE consortium

Assistant Professor (Joint), University of Colorado, Boulder

Abstract

Designing for Circularity: Recycling Technologies and AI-Driven Plastic Redesign

The growing demand for sustainable materials has accelerated interest in bioplastics and recyclable textiles, yet significant challenges remain in closing the loop for polymer-based products. Conventional recycling approaches often struggle with the chemical complexity, contamination, and multilayer structures that define today’s plastic and textile waste streams. This talk will highlight our work in advancing recycling technologies designed to recover value from commodity plastics, bioplastics, and textile-based polymers, with a focus on chemical and catalytic strategies that break down materials into reusable building blocks. In parallel, I will discuss how machine learning and computational modeling can accelerate the redesign of polymers for
circularity, enabling predictive insights into structure–property relationships that guide the development of next-generation, recyclable-by-design plastics. By integrating experimental advances with data-driven approaches, this work aims to redefine how we create, use, and reuse polymeric materials, ultimately moving toward a more circular and sustainable materials economy.

Bio

Dr. Katrina (Kat) Knauer is a polymer scientist who is driven by a steadfast commitment to addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste. She earned her BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Florida State University and a Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering from the University of Southern Mississippi. In 2021, Dr. Knauer joined the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) as a Senior Researcher in Polymer Science and Engineering and CTO of the DOE’s BOTTLE Consortium. Concurrently, she serves as an Assistant Adjoint Professor in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Dr. Knauer's research endeavors revolve around the development of innovative recycling technologies for existing plastics, as well as the design of intrinsically recyclable-by-design materials for the future. Her research recently led to being recognized as one of C&EN’s Talented 12.