The Chemical Recycling of Polyesters for a Circular Plastics Economy: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities

Whilst plastics have played an instrumental role in human development, growing environmental concerns have led to increasing public scrutiny and demands for outright bans. This has stimulated considerable research into renewable alternatives, and more recently, the development of alternative waste m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:ChemSusChem Vol. 14; no. 19; pp. 4041 - 4070
Main Authors: Payne, Jack, Jones, Matthew D.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 05.10.2021
John Wiley and Sons Inc
Subjects:
catalysis
chemical recycling
circular economy
Context
Depolymerization
Modernization
Polyester resins
Polyesters
Polyethylene terephthalate
Polylactic acid
Recycling
Review
Reviews
upcycling
Waste management
catalysis
chemical recycling
upcycling
polyesters
circular economy
ISSN:1864-5631, 1864-564X, 1864-564X
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Whilst plastics have played an instrumental role in human development, growing environmental concerns have led to increasing public scrutiny and demands for outright bans. This has stimulated considerable research into renewable alternatives, and more recently, the development of alternative waste management strategies. Herein, the aim was to highlight recent developments in the catalytic chemical recycling of two commercial polyesters, namely poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). The concept of chemical recycling is first introduced, and associated opportunities/challenges are discussed within the context of the governing depolymerisation thermodynamics. Chemical recycling methods for PLA and PET are then discussed, with a particular focus on upcycling and the use of metal‐based catalysts. Finally, the attention shifts to the emergence of new materials with the potential to modernise the plastics economy. Emerging opportunities and challenges are discussed within the context of industrial feasibility. Reimagine a future with plastics: In this Review, catalytic chemical recycling strategies for poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) are presented, with a particular focus on upcycling and the use of metal‐based catalysts. Recent developments are critically discussed within the context of industrial feasibility.
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ISSN:1864-5631
1864-564X
1864-564X
DOI:10.1002/cssc.202100400