Analyses of circular solutions for advanced plastics waste recycling

Abstract

A circular plastics economy can leverage the lightweight, strong and durable characteristics of macromolecular materials, while simultaneously reducing the negative environmental impacts associated with polymer waste. Advanced recycling technologies provide an opportunity to valorize plastics waste and extend the lifespan of these materials by converting waste into new monomers, polymers or specialty chemicals. Although many advanced technologies appear promising, assessments of economic and environmental sustainability are often not conducted in a standardized fashion and neglect factors such as plastics waste transportation, sorting and pretreatment. These shortcomings can lead to inaccurate or misleading predictions, reduce opportunities for optimization and limit industrial relevance. In this Review, we highlight select industrial case studies to underscore the notable consequences of underestimating the complexity of real-life consumer plastics waste. In addition, the current challenges associated with the assessment of the industrial viability of laboratory-scale processes are explored. By discussing relevant analysis frameworks and system boundaries, along with potential analytical pitfalls, future research will be guided beyond chemical considerations and toward impactful circular solutions. Advanced recycling is an end-of-life option for plastics waste toward the generation of high-value products. This Review highlights the importance of developing holistic analyses of candidate recycling technologies, with a focus on industrial pitfalls, key assessment parameters, complexities of recycling infrastructure, scale-up considerations, and environmental and economic trade-offs.