Depolymerization within a Circular Plastics System
University of Manchester · Henry Royce Institute
Abstract
The societal importance of plastics contrasts with the carelessness with which they are disposed. Their superlative properties lead to economic and environmental efficiency, but the linearity of plastics puts the climate, human health, and global ecosystems at risk. Recycling is fundamental to transitioning this linear model into a more sustainable, circular economy. Among recycling technologies, chemical depolymerization offers a route to virgin quality recycled plastics, especially when valorizing complex waste streams poorly served by mechanical methods. However, chemical depolymerization exists in a complex and interlinked system of end-of-life fates, with the complementarity of each approach key to…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 47.27
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 335
Authors
2Topics & keywords
- Depolymerization
- Human health
- Chemistry
- Polyester
- Circular economy
- Polymer
- Biochemical engineering
- Polymer science
- Responsible consumption and production