Cited by 1,905Polymer crystallization and propertiesWaste Management and RecyclingRecycling and Waste Management Techniques

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Beyond Mechanical Recycling: Giving New Life to Plastic Waste

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Vollmer, Ina, Jenks, Michael J. F., Roelands, Mark C. P., White, Robin J., van Harmelen, Toon, de Wild, Paul, van der Laan, Gerard P., Meirer, Florian, Keurentjes, Jos T. F., Weckhuysen, Bert M.·2020·Angewandte Chemie International Edition

DOI 10.1002/anie.201915651PMC PMC7497176

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Abstract

Increasing the stream of recycled plastic necessitates an approach beyond the traditional recycling via melting and re‐extrusion. Various chemical recycling processes have great potential to enhance recycling rates. In this Review, a summary of the various chemical recycling routes and assessment via life‐cycle analysis is complemented by an extensive list of processes developed by companies active in chemical recycling. We show that each of the currently available processes is applicable for specific plastic waste streams. Thus, only a combination of different technologies can address the plastic waste problem. Research should focus on more realistic, more contaminated and mixed waste streams, while collection and sorting infrastructure will need to be improved, that is, by stricter regulation. This Review aims to inspire both science and innovation for the production of higher value and quality products from plastic recycling suitable for reuse or valorization to create the necessary economic and environmental push for a circular economy.

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Authors: Vollmer, I., Jenks, M. J. F., Roelands, M. C. P., White, R. J., van Harmelen, T., de Wild, P., van der Laan, G. P., Meirer, F., Keurentjes, J. T. F., & Weckhuysen, B. M.
Affiliations: Utrecht University (NL)
Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (NL)
The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) Climate, Air & Sustainability Department Utrecht The Netherlands
Energieonderzoek Centrum Nederland (ECN)- part of TNO, Biomass & Energy Efficiency Petten The Netherlands
University of Twente (NL)
Corresponding author: Weckhuysen, Bert M.
ORCID: Vollmer, Ina
Jenks, Michael J. F.
Roelands, Mark C. P.
White, Robin J.
Meirer, Florian
Weckhuysen, Bert M.
Venue: Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Publisher: Wiley
Published: 2020-06-25
Volume: 59
Issue: 36
Pages: 15402-15423
ISSN: 1433-7851 (ISSN-L)
1521-3773
DOI: 10.1002/anie.201915651
PMC: PMC7497176
OpenAlex: W3012481340
Cited by: 1,905
References: 174
Citations by year: 2026: 346 · 2025: 394 · 2024: 398 · 2023: 327 · 2022: 267 · 2021: 149 · 2020: 24
FWCI: 11.86
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: hybrid
doi.org
Licence: cc-by
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ (vor)
Locations: Angewandte Chemie International Edition (publishedVersion, cc-by)
PubMed Central (publishedVersion, cc-by)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
University of Twente Research Information (publishedVersion, cc-by)
Utrecht University Repository (Utrecht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
TNO Repository (submittedVersion)
TU/e Research Portal (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Repository hosted by TU Delft Library (TU Delft) (submittedVersion)
Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
University of Twente Research Information (submittedVersion, cc-by)
Funders: Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (MCEC, Zwaartekracht Programma, ARC CBBC Consortium)
Topics: Physical Sciences › Materials Science › Polymers and Plastics › Polymer crystallization and properties
Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Waste Management and Disposal › Waste Management and Recycling
Physical Sciences › Environmental Science › Waste Management and Disposal › Recycling and Waste Management Techniques
Keywords: chemical recycling, plastic waste, plastic recycling, life cycle assessment, mechanical recycling, mixed waste streams, circular economy, plastic valorization, recycling technology

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Beyond Mechanical Recycling: Giving New Life to Plastic Waste

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