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The Chemical Recycling of Polyesters for a Circular Plastics Economy: Challenges and Emerging Opportunities
Author(s) -
Payne Jack,
Jones Matthew D.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
chemsuschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.412
H-Index - 157
eISSN - 1864-564X
pISSN - 1864-5631
DOI - 10.1002/cssc.202100400
Subject(s) - context (archaeology) , circular economy , polyester , scrutiny , chemical industry , renewable resource , waste management , biochemical engineering , renewable energy , nanotechnology , environmental science , materials science , chemistry , engineering , organic chemistry , political science , paleontology , ecology , electrical engineering , law , biology
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.