Recycling of Bioplastics: Routes and Benefits

Abstract

Continual reduction of landfill space along with rising CO 2 levels and environmental pollution, are global issues that will only grow with time if not correctly addressed. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure means gloablly commodity plastics are disposed of incorrectly, leading to both an economical loss and environmental destruction. The bioaccumulation of plastics and microplastics can already be seen in marine ecosystems causing a negative impact on all organisms that live there, ultimately microplastics will bioaccumulate in humans. The opportunity exists to replace the majority of petroleum derived plastics with bioplastics (bio-based, biodegradable or both). This, in conjunction with mechanical and chemical recycling is a renewable and sustainable solution that would help mitigate climate change. This review covers the most promising biopolymers PLA, PGA, PHA and bio-versions of conventional petro-plastics bio-PET, bio-PE. The most optimal recycling routes after reuse and mechanical recycling are: alcoholysis, biodegradation, biological recycling, glycolysis and pyrolysis respectively.

Make or break: Mg(ii)- and Zn(ii)-catalen complexes for PLA production and recycling of commodity polyesters

“…BHET can then be repolymerised to virgin PET or used as a precursor in the production of unsaturated polyester resins. [127][128][129][130][131] In light of this, preliminary work sought to apply [Zn(1,3)] 2 and [Mg(1)] 2 to the glycolysis of PET. [Mg(3)] 2 was not investigated due to insufficient yield.…”

Recycling of a Biodegradable Polymer Blend

“…In previous reviews [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], the main degradation pathways of several bioplastics, including the most important bioplastics, were reviewed. It was shown that mechanical recycling provides several advantages over chemical recycling, particularly low cost and, especially, a reduced environmental impact.…”

Alignment Layer of Liquid Crystal Using Plant-Based Isoeugenol-Substituted Polystyrene

“…The negative influence of MPs on the environment has been widely reported, and the toxicity of MPs in water has been demonstrated [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 ]. Bioplastics, which are bio-based, biodegradable, or both, have the same properties as conventional plastics and offer additional advantages [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. These include reduced use of fossil fuel resources and lower carbon dioxide emissions [ 19 , 20 ].…”