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Chemical upcycling of plastics as a solution to the plastic trash problem for an ideal, circular polymer economy and energy recovery

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Abstract

The fact that the majority of the presently utilized plastics are not 100% recyclable has engendered acute environmental issues, induced significant losses to the global economy, and exhausted finite natural resources. Encumbrances to recycling commodity polymers comprehend segregation, adulterants, and degradation of macromolecular structures, the whole of which can pessimistically influence the characteristics of recycled materials. Capturing the value back from plastic waste has been the holy grail of recyclers. A charismatic alternative is to recover high-valued monomers and purify them for polymerization. The burgeoning of chemical recycling processes could appreciably aid the gradation of the present-day linear model of plastic production and consumption—where finite resources are utilized to build products that have a limited lifespan and are then disposed of—to an ideal, sustainable, circular economy that curtails waste and aggrandize resource use. Herein, we proffer a holistic view for perceiving a circular polymer economy based on the chemical recycling approach for sustainability. We briefly review trailblazing techniques to chemically recycle commercial plastics. Accordingly, selected highlights on significant advancement and the technical and environmental benefits attained in the development of repurposing and depolymerization processes are presented. We conclude by discussing the main challenges concerning the current-day industrial reality that grounds it in relevant polymer science, delivering an academic angle as well as an applied one. This journey toward a new plastic future will optimize resource efficiency across chemical value chains and empower a closed-loop, waste-free chemical industry.

Graphical abstract

Illustration of an envisioned plastic value chain to realize our circular economy vision. The review article demonstrates the role of monomer recovery’s role in empowering-loop, waste-free chemical industry. The orange path represents the current situation of the plastic economy, whereas the green path shows how material circulation can be achieved.

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Data availability

All data generated or analyzed during this study are included in this published article.

Abbreviations

TRL:

Technology readiness level

LDPE:

Low-density polyethylene

TPA:

Terephthalic acid

HDPE:

High-density polyethylene

EG:

Ethylene glycol

PCL:

Polycaprolactone

PET:

Polyethylene terephthalate

BHET:

Bis(hydroxyethyl) terephthalate

ABS:

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

PVC:

Polyvinyl chloride

UV:

Ultraviolet

PLA:

Polylactic acid

DBU:

1,8-Diazabicyclo[5.4.0] undec-7-ene

PHB:

Polyhydroxybutyrate

HIPS:

High impact polystyrene

ABS:

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene

ΔG p :

Gibbs free energy of polymerization

M:

Monomer

TBD:

Triazabicyclodecene

MSA:

Methanesulfonic acid

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Department of Chemistry, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi, India.

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  1. Netaji Subhas University of Technology, Delhi, India

    Shashank Shekhar & Pramendra Kumar Bajpai

  2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, Military Institute of Science and Technology, Dhaka, 1216, Bangladesh

    Md Enamul Hoque

  3. Famu-FSU College of Engineering, Florida State University, 600 W College Ave, Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA

    Habibul Islam

  4. Department of Chemistry, Shivaji College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India

    Bhasha Sharma

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Shekhar, S., Hoque, M.E., Bajpai, P.K. et al. Chemical upcycling of plastics as a solution to the plastic trash problem for an ideal, circular polymer economy and energy recovery. Environ Dev Sustain 26, 5629–5664 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-023-03003-8

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