Advances in plastic waste valorization: Economic and green perspectives

초록

Plastic waste management has drawn substantial attention owing to the role of plastics in rising global temperatures. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, 19–23 million tons of plastic waste enter aquatic ecosystems annually. In a circular economy, recyclable plastics are retained to prevent incineration, disposal, and environmental leakage. This review explores a waste-to-value strategy focused on transforming waste into valuable chemicals and summarizes recently reported plastic-waste recycling technologies. Recent developments in plastic-waste treatment, such as mechanical, chemical, and biological recycling, have improved feasibility and enhanced sustainability. Specifically, advanced modeling techniques, such as technoeconomic analysis and life cycle assessment, have been used to better understand reaction mechanisms, costs, energy consumption, and environmental impacts. Nonetheless, incorporating prior studies is essential for accurately comparing different recycling methods from a holistic perspective. Thus, this work provides a systematic overview of plastic management strategies and addresses the challenges and opportunities of sustainable waste management, thereby contributing to a circular economy. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd

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