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Integration with biotechnological approaches for upcycling waste plastics
Summary
This review examines the limitations of mechanical, chemical, and thermal plastic recycling approaches — including restricted reprocessing cycles, high energy costs, and toxic emissions — and evaluates biotechnological strategies such as enzymatic and microbial degradation as complementary routes for waste plastic upcycling. The authors argue that integrating biological and chemical processes offers the most promising pathway for effective upcycling while reducing carbon emissions and advancing circular economy goals.
Plastics are indispensable in modern life due to their useful properties including lightweight, high strength, chemical resistance, and ease of fabrication.However, the extensive use of plastics has led to severe waste accumulation and environmental issues.This review discusses various recycling routes for waste plastics such as mechanical, chemical, thermal recycling, and the integration with biotechnological approaches for upcycling.Mechanical recycling, known for its low cost and minimal carbon emissions, faces challenges including a limited number of reprocessing cycles and difficulties in handling mixed plastics.Chemical recycling, which breaks down plastics into monomers or oligomers, shows promise for overcoming the limitations of mechanical methods but is hindered by high energy requirements and the use of heavy metals as catalysts.Thermal recycling, characterized by utilizing the high calorific value of waste plastics in the form of heat or electrical energy, has a significant problem of toxic gas emissions.Biotechnological approaches are emerging as economical and eco-friendly alternatives.Therefore, the integration of biotechnological and chemical processes offers effective upcycling of waste plastics, promising alternatives for mitigating carbon emissions, and promoting a circular economy.
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