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Recent Advances in Sustainable Plastic Upcycling and Biopolymers
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This review argues that sustainable biopolymers, produced from renewable resources via biological or hybrid chemical-biological processes, represent the most promising long-term solution to the plastic pollution crisis and climate-related concerns about fossil-fuel-derived plastics. Key challenges include achieving the mechanical properties, production costs, and large-scale manufacturing needed to replace conventional plastics.
Advances in scientific technology in the early twentieth century have facilitated the development of synthetic plastics that are lightweight, rigid, and can be easily molded into a desirable shape without changing their material properties. Thus, plastics become ubiquitous and indispensable materials that are used in various manufacturing sectors, including clothing, automotive, medical, and electronic industries. However, strong physical durability and chemical stability of synthetic plastics, most of which are produced from fossil fuels, hinder their complete degradation when they are improperly discarded after use. In addition, accumulated plastic wastes without degradation have caused severe environmental problems, such as microplastics pollution and plastic islands. Thus, the usage and production of plastics is not free from environmental pollution or resource depletion. In order to lessen the impact of climate change and reduce plastic pollution, it is necessary to understand and address the current plastic life cycles. In this review, "sustainable biopolymers" are suggested as a promising solution to the current plastic crisis. The desired properties of sustainable biopolymers and bio-based and bio/chemical hybrid technologies for the development of sustainable biopolymers are mainly discussed.
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This review examines recycling as a strategy to improve the sustainability of biopolymers—biodegradable alternatives to synthetic plastics—evaluating current mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling technologies and identifying key challenges including material contamination, economic viability, and lack of infrastructure. The authors call for continuous technological innovation, circular economy integration, and cross-sector collaboration to build a roadmap for improved biopolymer recycling.
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