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A Multi-Measure Analysis: Evaluating the Sustainability of Polystyrene Waste Mitigation Technologies - Towards A Circular Economy: Sustainable Management
Summary
A sustainability analysis of four polystyrene waste valorization pathways — plywood composites, concrete systems, chemical depolymerization, and anti-corrosive coatings — found each viable within a circular economy framework but requiring life-cycle assessment to avoid unintended consequences. Diverting polystyrene from landfills matters for microplastic pollution because weathered PS fragments into persistent nanoplastics that accumulate broadly in aquatic and terrestrial food webs.
Abstract - Focus towards SDG13, The universal problem of plastic pollution, fueled by linear production and consumption patterns, poses a climactic threat to human and environmental health. The prevailing waste management infrastructure, over-dependent on land-filling and inefficient recycling, cannot respond effectively to the aggravating crisis. This calls for a paradigm shift towards plastics based on a sustainable, circular economy. This review assesses the waste management hierarchy the prioritization of source reduction, reuse, mechanical recycling, and chemical recycling the foundation of a sustainable approach. This study describes four valuable recycling and re-purposing systems for polystyrene. These include: conversion to plywood composites, concrete/geopolymer systems, chemical depolymerization and conversion into paints and coatings. The paint formulations convert waste PS into coatings with hydrophobic or anti-corrosive properties. Grafting PS gained reactive or polar groups, which can increase the performance of PS waste streams in targeted applications. Although breakthroughs in biodegradable polymers and waste-to-energy technologies provide supporting solutions, ensuring their life-cycle assessment to prevent the emergence of unforeseen consequences is necessary. This analysis ends with the identification of key research frontiers, calling for effective chemical up-cycling and systems-level modeling for decisions on policy and investment. It is necessary to collaborate across scientific, industrial, and governmental communities to move from a plastic waste issue to a sustainable plastics economy. Key Words: SDG13,Plastic,circular economy,recycle