Recent Developments in the Recycling Technologies of Polymeric Plastics

Abstract

Plastics have been indispensable in modern society since their large-scale production commenced in the 1950s. However, their massive accumulation of post-consumption has led to severe environmental pollution. This review summarizes recent advances in plastic waste management technologies, encompassing mechanical recycling, biodegradation, and chemical recycling. Mechanical recycling remains the most prevalent industrial practice due to its operational simplicity and relatively low cost. Biodegradation, which leverages microorganisms or enzymes, offers a promising eco-friendly alternative. Chemical recycling breaks the constraints of conventional end-of-life treatments (e.g., landfill and incineration) by depolymerizing or degrading plastics into valuable chemical feedstocks such as monomers. Despite significant progress, these technologies still face considerable challenges: the gradual deterioration of material properties during mechanical recycling, unintended environmental impacts such as the release of toxic additives during biodegradation, and the high energy and economic costs hindering the large-scale application of chemical recycling. This review aims to provide a comprehensive methodological perspective to advance solutions for the global plastic waste crisis.