Issue 17, 2024

Polyhydroxyalkanoates in emerging recycling technologies for a circular materials economy

Abstract

Circular polymer systems, specifically polyesters operating through chemical and biological technologies, are approaching a critical moment of industrial adoption and scale-up feasibility. At the same time, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production, scale-up, and resulting material development is converging toward commodity applications. The current PHA end-of-life philosophy, however, focalizes leveraging inherent biodegradability to circumvent plastic waste accumulation. If indeed a substantial replacement of incumbent single-use plastics with PHA alternatives is to be met in commercial manufacture, we emphasize the importance of linking PHA development with feasible polymer recycling technologies. In other words, a PHA materials economy is significantly more carbon- and cost-favorable when efficient mechanical (reprocessing), chemical (deconstruction, depolymerization), or biological (enzymatic) recycling is prioritized over biodegradation or composting. In this perspective, we discuss strategies for PHA recyclable-by-design principles, guidable by developing machine learning tools, as well as material compatibility with closed-loop recycling technologies. Additionally, we posit compelling life-cycle assessment incentives for adopting polymer reclamation over competing pathways. Ultimately, we hope this narrative further inspires the alignment between PHA design with growing calls for a circular material economy.

Graphical abstract: Polyhydroxyalkanoates in emerging recycling technologies for a circular materials economy

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
19 apr 2024
Accepted
26 jul 2024
First published
02 aug 2024
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 6690-6701

Polyhydroxyalkanoates in emerging recycling technologies for a circular materials economy

R. W. Clarke, G. Rosetto, T. Uekert, J. B. Curley, H. Moon, B. C. Knott, J. E. McGeehan and K. M. Knauer, Mater. Adv., 2024, 5, 6690 DOI: 10.1039/D4MA00411F

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