A review on value-addition to plastic waste towards achieving a circular economy

Manish Kumar, Sachin Krushna Bhujbal, Kirtika Kohli, Ravindra Prajapati, Brajendra K. Sharma, Ankush D. Sawarkar, Kumar Abhishek, Shiv Bolan, Pooja Ghosh, M. B. Kirkham, Lokesh P. Padhye, Ashok Pandey, Meththika Vithanage, Nanthi Bolan

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

41 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Plastic and mixed plastic waste (PW) has received increased worldwide attention owing to its huge rate of production, high persistency in the environment, and unsustainable waste management practices. Therefore, sustainable PW management and upcycling approaches are imperative to achieve the objectives of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Numerous recent studies have shown the application and feasibility of various PW conversion techniques to produce materials with better economic value. Within this framework, the current review provides an in-depth analysis of cutting-edge thermochemical technologies such as pyrolysis, gasification, carbonization, and photocatalysis that can be used to value plastic and mixed PW in order to produce energy and industrial chemicals. Additionally, a thorough examination of the environmental impacts of contemporary PW upcycling techniques and their commercial feasibility through life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economical assessment are provided in this review. Finally, this review emphasizes the opportunities and challenges accompanying with existing PW upcycling techniques and deliver recommendations for future research works.

Original languageEnglish
Article number171106
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume921
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Apr 2024
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Fuels and chemicals
  • Plastic char
  • Plastic valorization
  • PW (PW)
  • Value-added products

Programme Area

  • Programme Area 2: Water Resources

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