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Reimagining plastics waste as energy solutions: challenges and opportunities
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This review examines the potential of converting plastic waste into energy through waste-to-energy and waste-to-fuel technologies, particularly in developing nations where recycling infrastructure is limited. Researchers assessed various conversion methods including pyrolysis and gasification, evaluating their efficiency and environmental trade-offs. The study emphasizes that energy recovery from plastic waste could help address both the growing plastic pollution crisis and energy needs in underserved regions.
Abstract Recent statistics portray a stark reality, particularly highlighting the inadequate recycling measures and the consequent environmental threats, most notably in developing nations. The global ramifications of plastic pollution are elucidated, specifically focusing on the alarming accumulation in regions such as the “Great Pacific Garbage Patch” and evolving waste management practices in Southeast Asian countries. We emphasize the significance of Waste-to-Energy (W2E) and Waste-to-Fuel (W2F) technologies, e.g., pyrolysis and gasification, for converting difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into a dense-energy source. However, we identify a critical gap in current research: the emission of CO 2 during these processes. This perspective spotlights emergent CO 2 capture and utilization technologies, underscoring their role as a robust turnkey solution in making W2E and W2F methods more sustainable and unleashing the huge potential of using waste plastics as a dense-energy source. The scientific community is urged to develop tailored solutions for reducing CO 2 emissions in plastic waste conversion processes. This approach promotes circular resource utilization and realizes the socio-economic and environmental advantages of plastic waste utilization technologies, advocating their implementation in economically disadvantaged regions.
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When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.