We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Emerging Technologies Supporting the Transition to a Circular Economy in the Plastic Materials Value Chain
Summary
Researchers reviewed how emerging technologies — including artificial intelligence, bio-based materials, and chemical recycling — can accelerate the transition from a linear "make-use-discard" plastic economy to a circular one where plastics are continuously reused. The study finds that no single technology solves the plastic waste problem; instead, coordinated sets of complementary technologies, supported by smart governance, are needed.
Plastic waste has come to the forefront of academic and political debates as a global problem that demands an urgent solution. Promoted by policymakers, academia, and corporations alike, the circular economy model presents a viable path to reach more sustainable levels of development. Emerging and disruptive technologies can catalyse the transition to a circular economy, but their application to the transition of the plastic materials realm is not fully understood. Based on a systematic review of the literature, this paper aims to understand the role of key emerging technologies in the transition towards a circular economy in the plastic materials value chain, their potential impact, as well as the barriers of adoption and diffusion. Employing the ReSOLVE framework, the analysis reveals that rather than individual technologies, four technology sets associated with Industry 4.0, distributed economies, bio-based systems, and chemical recycling stand as major enablers of this transition. The complementarity of technologies and the change needed from a systemic perspective are discussed along with a proposal for governance and practical implementation pathway to overcome barriers and resistance to the transition.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
New Technologies for the Transition to a Circular Economy in the Plastic Materials Value Chain
Researchers conducted a systematic literature review using the ReSOLVE framework to analyze how emerging technologies enable the transition to a circular economy in the plastics value chain. They found that four technology sets — Industry 4.0, distributed economy models, biological systems, and chemical recycling — act as complementary enablers rather than individual solutions, and that systemic governance changes are needed to overcome adoption barriers.
Are Reliable and Emerging Technologies Available for Plastic Recycling in a Circular Economy?
This review examines the current landscape of plastic recycling technologies -- including mechanical, thermal, chemical, and biological depolymerization methods such as pyrolysis -- evaluating their readiness for circular economy integration. It concludes that while recycling rates remain below 10% globally, emerging technologies offer pathways toward closed-loop plastic supply chains, though full-scale implementation requires further development and performance assessment.
The Use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Creating a Roadmap Towards a Circular Economy for Plastics
This paper examines how artificial intelligence and machine learning can help transition the plastics industry toward a circular economy. AI tools can optimize recycling processes, predict material degradation, and identify opportunities to reduce plastic waste before it enters the environment.
Polymer‐Based Recycling Strategies for Plastic Waste: A Comprehensive Review
This comprehensive review evaluates mechanical and chemical recycling strategies for plastic waste, noting that mechanical recycling is widely used but limited by polymer degradation, while chemical recycling offers higher quality recovery but at greater energy and financial cost. The study highlights emerging technologies including AI-assisted sorting, nanotechnology, and biodegradable polymer development as promising approaches for building a more circular plastics economy.
Emerging Technologies for Converting Mixed Plastic Waste into Biodegradable Polymers
Scientists are developing new ways to turn mixed plastic waste (like food containers and shopping bags all jumbled together) into materials that naturally break down in the environment, instead of lasting forever like regular plastic. This research review shows these emerging technologies could help solve our plastic pollution problem by preventing more microplastics from forming and contaminating our food and water. If these methods can be scaled up, they could transform how we handle plastic waste and reduce health risks from tiny plastic particles that are increasingly found in our bodies.