Recycled polymer: Green roads for polyester plastics
Rulin Yang, Guangqiang Xu, Wenjie Tao, Qinggang Wang, Yong Tang
Abstract
Plastics are integral to numerous significant social advancements. Nonetheless, their contribution to environmental pollution and climate crises cannot be disregarded, as their negative impact on the environment increases with incremental production capacity and demand. Concerted global action is urgently required to promote the green recycle of plastics to prevent their accumulation in the environment and mitigate carbon emissions. This review aims to reveal the paths of green development for polyester plastics, incorporating the trends of the green revolution in mature commercial polyester plastics, newly emerging biodegradable polyester plastics, and future polyester plastics. A critical discussion was conducted on the current and potential future research areas from multiple perspectives, including raw materials, processes, and recycling, to propel us into a future marked by sustainability.