Recycle and Reuse to Reduce Plastic Waste - A Perspective Study Comparing Petro- and Bioplastics

Farah Mneimneh (), Nour Haddad and Seeram Ramakrishna ()
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Farah Mneimneh: Iowa State University
Nour Haddad: Lebanese American University
Seeram Ramakrishna: National University of Singapore

Circular Economy and Sustainability, 2024, vol. 4, issue 3, 1983-2010

Abstract: Abstract Especially in light of the growing demand for plastic products, the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change has underscored the need for the plastics sector to embrace sustainable practices. Petroplastics are widely used polymers that may be recycled via mechanical, chemical, and reusability methods. They are mostly sourced from petrochemical sources. As an alternative that is more sustainable, bioplastics have gained popularity due to their lower carbon emissions during manufacture and decreased need on petroleum feedstocks. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the characteristics and uses of both petroplastics and bioplastics thoroughly. This is followed by an analysis of the benefits and downsides of many recycling methods, including solvent-based, mechanical, chemical, and energy recovery systems. Moreover, an evaluation of the quality of plastic after recycling is carried out in order to clarify the inherent difficulties and restrictions associated with each recovery method. Inquiry like this helps the plastics sector create strong standards that protect the environment and promote more sustainable operations. This research also includes factors on which depends the quality of the plastic products such as the degree of mixing, the degree of degradation, and the presence of low molecular weight compounds. It also includes challenges and limitations due to some properties of the manufactured plastics such as their quality, their flexibility, or the recycling process which formed them. Finally, this study suggests further research regarding material property deterioration, cost, and sorting issues in plastic recycling.

Keywords: Petroplastics; Bioplastics; Recycling; Climate change (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s43615-024-00381-7

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