Researchers have developed a groundbreaking approach to address plastic waste management challenges by leveraging in-line nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy combined with an orthogonal chemical transformation strategy. This method precisely identifies and selectively converts complex mixtures of common plastics—such as polystyrene, PET, polyurethane, and polypropylene—into valuable chemical products. By exploiting differences in polymer chemistry and functional groups, the technique offers improved efficiency and sustainability over traditional recycling methods. This advance opens new pathways for transforming heterogeneous plastic waste streams at scale, aligning with global environmental priorities.