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Depolymerization and Re/Upcycling of Biodegradable PLA Plastics
Summary
"This review examines chemical depolymerization and re/upcycling strategies for polylactic acid (PLA), the most widely used biodegradable plastic, which despite its sustainability credentials suffers from low recycling rates and high costs. Researchers highlight recent advances and technical barriers in closed-loop chemical recycling as urgently needed alternatives to simple degradation of PLA into CO2 and water."
With the escalating utilization of plastic products, global attention has been increasingly drawn to environmental pollution and recycling challenges stemming from plastic waste. Against this backdrop, biodegradable plastics have emerged as viable alternatives owing to their sustainability and capacity for biodegradation. Polylactic acid (PLA) presently commands the largest market share among biodegradable plastics, finding extensive application in products such as thin films, medical materials, and biodegradable straws. However, the widespread adoption of PLA is hindered by challenges such as high cost, low recycling rates, and complete degradation to H2O and CO2 in natural conditions. Therefore, it is imperative and time-sensitive to explore solutions for the depolymerization and re/upcycling of PLA waste plastics. This review comprehensively outlines the current landscape of PLA recycling methods, emphasizing the advantages and significance of chemical re/upcycling. The subsequent exploration encompasses recent breakthroughs and technical obstacles inherent in diverse chemical depolymerization methods. Ultimately, this review accentuates the impediments and forthcoming possibilities in the realm of PLA plastics, emphasizing the pursuit of closed-loop recycling and upcycling.