"Recycling and Upcycling of Polymer Waste: Technological Innovations"

Abstract

The recycling and upcycling of polymer waste have emerged as critical strategies in mitigating environmental
impacts and resource scarcity associated with conventional plastic production. This abstract explores recent
technological innovations that address these challenges, focusing on advancements in recycling processes and the
creative reuse of polymer waste. Key advancements in recycling technologies include mechanical recycling,
chemical recycling, and biodegradation processes, each offering distinct benefits and applications. Mechanical
recycling, involving sorting, shredding, and melting plastic waste into new products, remains a cornerstone due
to its cost-effectiveness and established infrastructure. Chemical recycling techniques, such as depolymerization
and pyrolysis, enable the breakdown of polymers into monomers or feedstock chemicals for the production of
new plastics or other materials. Biodegradation methods utilize microbial or enzymatic processes to break down
plastics into simpler compounds, offering promise for environmentally sensitive applications.