) A technique developed by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro makes it possible to recycle plastic bottles made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) to produce varnish. The process, which has already been patented, helps reduce the consumption of other petroleum derivatives. The bottles are crushed and subjected to a degradation process that alters their molecular weight. The resulting substance then passes through other chemical processes until it becomes a powder that is added to the varnish formula.

"The process needs to be perfected, since problems still occasionally arise, such as the formation of bubbles and an overly hard consistency. We are studying ways of improving the malleability of the varnish," chemist Antonio Alves da Silva, who is heading up the project, told Tierramérica.

"There has been no date set for launching the product on the market. The varnish will not be sold until these problems are ironed out," he added.