Projects per year
Abstract
Continual reduction of landfill space along with rising CO2 levels and environmental pollution, are global issues that will only grow with time if not correctly addressed. The lack of proper waste management infrastructure means gloablly commodity plastics are disposed of incorrectly, leading to both an economical loss and environmental destruction. The bioaccumulation of plastics and microplastics can already be seen in marine ecosystems causing a negative impact on all organisms that live there, ultimately microplastics will bioaccumulate in humans. The opportunity exists to replace the majority of petroleum derived plastics with bioplastics (bio-based, biodegradable or both). This, in conjunction with mechanical and chemical recycling is a renewable and sustainable solution that would help mitigate climate change. This review covers the most promising biopolymers PLA, PGA, PHA and bio-versions of conventional petro-plastics bio-PET, bio-PE. The most optimal recycling routes after reuse and mechanical recycling are: alcoholysis, biodegradation, biological recycling, glycolysis and pyrolysis respectively.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 2551-2571 |
Number of pages | 21 |
Journal | Journal of Polymers and the Environment |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 10 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 22 Jun 2020 |
Keywords
- Bio-PE
- Bio-PET
- Bioplastic
- Chemical recycling
- Poly(hydroxyalkanoates)
- Poly(lactic acid)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Environmental Engineering
- Polymers and Plastics
- Materials Chemistry
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Recycling of Bioplastics: Routes and Benefits'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Projects
- 1 Finished
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Novel membrane catalytic reactor for waste polylactic acid recycling and valorisation
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council
26/06/17 → 25/09/20
Project: Research