Publicado
A comprehensive review of plastic waste reduction technologies:Emerging Solutions and circularity assessments
Una revisión exhaustiva de las tecnologías de reducción de residuosplásticos: Soluciones emergentes y evaluaciones de circularidad
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/dyna.v93n243.125323Palabras clave:
plastic waste, chemical recycling, circular economy, pyrolysis, depolymerization (en)residuos plásticos, reciclaje químico, economía circular, pirólisis, despolimerización (es)
Descargas
This review provides a comprehensive analysis and comparison of plastic waste reduction technologies, focusing on chemical recycling methods like pyrolysis and depolymerization, which use chemical and enzymatic processes to break down single polymers and plastic mixtures into reusable monomers and other high-value products. Using circularity indicators, we assess the eco-effectiveness of these technologies, comparing their potential to support a sustainable plastic economy. Unlike conventional reviews, this work includes a global perspective from academia, industry, and policy, on developing and implementing these technologies, examining diverse approaches across regions and the role of engineering education in promoting sustainable practices. Emerging technologies, including plasma gasification and electrochemical depolymerization, are discussed in this work, as well as the corresponding challenges and opportunities for scalability, and integration with existing technologies, providing insights into the pathways for enhancing plastic waste reduction worldwide.
La presente revisión ofrece un análisis y una comparación exhaustivos de las tecnologías de reducción de residuos plásticos, centrándose en métodos de reciclaje químico como la pirólisis y la despolimerización, que emplean procesos químicos y enzimáticos para descomponer polímeros individuales y mezclas de plásticos en monómeros reutilizables y otros productos de alto valor añadido. Mediante indicadores de circularidad, evaluamos la eco efectividad de estas tecnologías y comparamos su potencial para respaldar una economía del plástico sostenible. A diferencia de las revisiones convencionales, este trabajo incorpora una perspectiva global desde la academia, la industria y las políticas públicas sobre el desarrollo e implementación de estas tecnologías, examinando enfoques diversos entre regiones y el papel de la educación en ingeniería en la promoción de prácticas sostenibles. En este trabajo también se analizan tecnologías emergentes, como la gasificación por plasma y la despolimerización electroquímica, así como los desafíos y oportunidades correspondientes en términos de escalabilidad e integración con tecnologías existentes, aportando ideas sobre las vías para mejorar la reducción de residuos plásticos a nivel mundial.
Referencias
[1] Lange, J.P., Managing plastic waste-sorting, recycling, disposal, and product redesign. ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 9(47), pp. 15722-15738, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.1c05013.
[2] Ritchie, H. FAQs on plastics. Our World in Data. [online]. 2018. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://ourworldindata.org/faq-on-plastics.
[3] Zhao, X., Korey, M., Li, K., Copenhaver, K., Tekinalp, H., Celik, S., Kalaitzidou, K., Ruan, R., Ragauskas, A.J., and Ozcan, S., Plastic waste upcycling toward a circular economy. Chemical Engineering Journal, 428, art. 131928, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2021.131928.
[4] Ragaert, K., Delva, L., and Geem, K., Van, Mechanical and chemical recycling of solid plastic waste. Waste Management, 69, pp. 24-58, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.07.044.
[5] Hou, Q., Zhen, M., Qian, H., Nie, Y., Bai, X., Xia, T., Laiq Ur Rehman, M., Li, Q., and Ju, M., Upcycling and catalytic degradation of plastic wastes. Cell Reports Physical Science, 2(8), art. 100514, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xcrp.2021.100514.
[6] Chen, Y., Awasthi, A.K., Wei, F., Tan, Q., and Li, J., Single-use plastics: Production, usage, disposal, and adverse impacts. Science of the Total Environment, 752, art. 141772, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141772.
[7] Moraga, G., Huysveld, S., Mathieux, F., Blengini, G.A., Alaerts, L., Acker, K., Van-Meester, S., de, and Dewulf, J., Circular economy indicators: What do they measure?. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 146, pp. 452-461, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2019.03.045.
[8] Saidani, M., Yannou, B., Leroy, Y., Cluzel, F., and Kendall, A., A taxonomy of circular economy indicators. Journal of Cleaner Production, 207, pp. 542-559, 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.10.014.
[9] Garcia-Saravia-Ortiz-de-Montellano, C., and Meer, Y., van-der, A theoretical framework for circular processes and circular impacts through a comprehensive review of indicators. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 23(2), pp. 291-314, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-022-00300-5.
[10] Aleksić, A., Rađenović, T., and Simonović, Z., Resource management and performance measurement indicators in the circular economy. Economics of Sustainable Development, 6(2), pp. 31-42, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5937/ESD2202031A.
[11] Varbanov, P.S., Wang, B., Ocłoń, P., Radziszewska-Zielina, E., Ma, T., Klemeš, J.J., and Jia, X., Efficiency measures for energy supply and use aiming for a clean circular economy. Energy, 283, art. 129035, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2023.129035.
[12] Avilés-Palacios, C., and Rodríguez-Olalla, A., The Sustainability of waste management models in circular economies. Sustainability, 13(13), art. 7105, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137105.
[13] Pacurariu, R.L., Vatca, S.D., Lakatos, E.S., Bacali, L., and Vlad, M., A critical review of EU key indicators for the transition to the circular economy. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(16), art. 8840, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18168840.
[14] Jiang, L., Bhochhibhoya, S., Slot, N., and Graaf, R., de, Measuring product-level circularity performance: an economic value-based metric with the indicator of residual value. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 186, art. 106541, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2022.106541.
[15] Jiang, J., Shi, K., Zhang, X., Yu, K., Zhang, H., He, J., Ju, Y., and Liu, J., From plastic waste to wealth using chemical recycling: A review. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 10(1), 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.106867.
[16] Nanda, S., and Berruti, F., Thermochemical conversion of plastic waste to fuels: a review. Environmental Chemistry Letters, 19(1), pp. 123-148, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10311-020-01094-7.
[17] Qureshi, M.S., Oasmaa, A., Pihkola, H., Deviatkin, I., Tenhunen, A., Mannila, J., Minkkinen, H., Pohjakallio, M., and Laine-Ylijoki, J., Pyrolysis of plastic waste: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 152, art. 104804, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaap.2020.104804.
[18] Miandad, R., Barakat, M.A., Aburiazaiza, A.S., Rehan, M., and Nizami, A.S., Catalytic pyrolysis of plastic waste: a review. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 102, pp. 822-838, 2016. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2016.06.022.
[19] Dai, L., Zhou, N., Lv, Y., Cheng, Y., Wang, Y., Liu, Y., Cobb, K., Chen, P., Lei, H., and Ruan, R., Pyrolysis technology for plastic waste recycling: A state-of-the-art review. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 93, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2022.101021.
[20] Peng, Y., Wang, Y., Ke, L., Dai, L., Wu, Q., Cobb, K., Zeng, Y., Zou, R., Liu, Y., and Ruan, R., A review on catalytic pyrolysis of plastic wastes to high-value products. Energy Conversion and Management, 254, art. 115243, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115243.
[21] Dogu, O., Pelucchi, M., Vijver, R., Van de, Steenberge, P.H.M., Van, D’hooge, D.R., Cuoci, A., Mehl, M., Frassoldati, A., Faravelli, T., and Geem-Van, K.M., The chemistry of chemical recycling of solid plastic waste via pyrolysis and gasification: State-of-the-art, challenges, and future directions. Progress in Energy and Combustion Science, 84, art. 100901, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecs.2020.100901.
[22] Anuar-Sharuddin, S.D., Abnisa, F., Wan Daud, W.M.A., and Aroua, M.K., Energy recovery from pyrolysis of plastic waste: Study on non- recycled plastics (NRP) data as the real measure of plastic waste. Energy Conversion and Management, 148, pp. 925-934, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2017.06.046.
[23] Ryu, H.W., Kim, D.H., Jae, J., Lam, S.S., Park, E.D., and Park, Y.K., Recent advances in catalytic co-pyrolysis of biomass and plastic waste for the production of petroleum-like hydrocarbons. Bioresource Technology, 310, art. 123473, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2020.123473.
[24] Cao, F., Wang, L., Zheng, R., Guo, L., Chen, Y., and Qian, X., Research and progress of chemical depolymerization of waste PET and high-value application of its depolymerization products. RSC Advances, 12(49), pp. 31564-31576, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra06499e.
[25] Nayanathara-Thathsarani-Pilapitiya, P.G.C., and Ratnayake, A.S., The world of plastic waste: A review. Cleaner Materials, 11, art. 100220, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clema.2024.100220.
[26] Damayanti, D., Saputri, D.R., Marpaung, D.S.S., Yusupandi, F., Sanjaya, A., Simbolon, Y.M., Asmarani, W., Ulfa, M., and Wu, H.S., Current prospects for plastic waste treatment. Polymers, 14(15), 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/polym14153133.
[27] Zhou, H., Wang, Y., Ren, Y., Li, Z., Kong, X., Shao, M., and Duan, H., Plastic waste valorization by leveraging multidisciplinary catalytic technologies. ACS Catalysis, 12(15), pp. 9307-9324, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acscatal.2c02775.
[28] Paben, J. Eastman unveils plans for $1B polyester depolymerization plant. Plastics Recycling Update. [online]. 2022. [accessed 18th January 2025]. Available at: https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2022/01/19/eastman-unveils-plans-for-1b-polyester-depolymerization-plant/.
[29] Huysman, S., Schaepmeester, J.D., Ragaert, K., Dewulf, J., and Meester, S.D., Performance indicators for a circular economy: a case study on post-industrial plastic waste. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 120, pp. 46-54, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2017.01.013.
[30] Miandad, R., Barakat, M.A., Aburiazaiza, A.S., Rehan, M., Ismail, I.M.I., and Nizami, A.S., Effect of plastic waste types on pyrolysis liquid oil. International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation, 119, pp. 239-252, 2017. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibiod.2016.09.017.
[31] Kusenberg, M., Zayoud, A., Roosen, M., Thi, H.D., Abbas-Abadi, M.S., Eschenbacher, A., Kresovic, U., Meester, S. De, and Geem-Van, K.M., A comprehensive experimental investigation of plastic waste pyrolysis oil quality and its dependence on the plastic waste composition. Fuel Processing Technology, 227, art. 107090, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2021.107090.
[32] Mangesh, V.L., Padmanabhan, S., Tamizhdurai, P., and Ramesh, A., Experimental investigation to identify the type of waste plastic pyrolysis oil suitable for conversion to diesel engine fuel. Journal of Cleaner Production, 246, art. 119066, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119066.
[33] Clark, R.A., and Shaver, M.P., Depolymerization within a Circular Plastics System. Chemical Reviews, 124(5), pp. 2617-2650, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.3c00739.
[34] Fivga, A., and Dimitriou, I., Pyrolysis of plastic waste for production of heavy fuel substitute: A techno-economic assessment. Energy, 149, pp. 865-874, 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.02.094.
[35] Knauer, K., Higginson, C., Liang, Y., and Lee, M., Circular plastics technologies: depolymerization of polymers into parent monomers. Physical Sciences Reviews, 9(7), pp. 2499-2524, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/psr-2023-0014.
[36] Shi, L., and Zhu, L., Recent advances and challenges in enzymatic depolymerization and recycling of PET wastes. ChemBioChem, 25(2), 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.202300578.
[37] McNeeley, A., and Liu, Y.A., Assessment of PET Depolymerization processes for circular economy. 1. thermodynamics, chemistry, purification, and process design. Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, 63(8), pp. 3355-3399, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.iecr.3c04000.
[38] Ellis, L.D., Orski, S.V., Kenlaw, G.A., Norman, A.G., Beers, K.L., Román-Leshkov, Y., and Beckham, G.T., Tandem heterogeneous catalysis for polyethylene depolymerization via an olefin-intermediate process. ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, 9(2), pp. 623-628, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c07612.
[39] Parker, K., Weragoda, G.K., Canty, A.J., Ryzhov, V., and O’Hair, R.A.J., Modeling metal-catalyzed polyethylene depolymerization: [(Phen)Pd(X)]+(X = H and CH3) catalyze the decomposition of hexane into a mixture of alkenes via a complex reaction network. Organometallics, 40(7), pp. 857-868, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.organomet.0c00782.
[40] Nishino, J., Itoh, M., Ishinomori, T., Kubota, N., and Uemichi, Y., Development of a catalytic cracking process for converting waste plastics to petrochemicals. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 5(2), pp. 89-93, 2003. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-003-0086-6.
[41] Vollmer, I., Jenks, M.J.F., Mayorga González, R., Meirer, F., and Weckhuysen, B.M., Plastic waste conversion over a refinery waste catalyst. Angewandte Chemie - International Edition, 60(29), pp. 16101-16108, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202104110.
[42] Lerici, L.C., Renzini, M.S., and Pierella, L.B., Chemical catalyzed recycling of polymers: catalytic conversion of PE, PP and PS into fuels and chemicals over H-Y. Procedia Materials Science, 8, pp. 297- 303, 2015. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mspro.2015.04.076.
[43] Evode, N., Qamar, S.A., Bilal, M., Barceló, D., and Iqbal, H.M.N., Plastic waste and its management strategies for environmental sustainability. Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering, 4, art. 100142, 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscee.2021.100142.
[44] Lu, L., Li, W., Cheng, Y., and Liu, M., Chemical recycling technologies for PVC waste and PVC-containing plastic waste: a review. Waste Management, 166, pp. 245-258, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2023.05.012.
[45]Zhang, J.P., Zhang, C.C., and Zhang, F.S., A novel process for waste polyvinyl chloride recycling: Plant growth substrate development. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9(4), 2021. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2021.105475.
[46] Cudjoe, D., and Wang, H., Plasma gasification versus incineration of plastic waste: energy, economic and environmental analysis. Fuel Processing Technology, 237, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuproc.2022.107470.
[47] Rida-Galaly, A., Oost, G., Van, and Dawood, N., Sustainable plasma gasification treatment of plastic waste: evaluating environmental, economic, and strategic dimensions. ACS Omega, 9(19), pp. 21174-21186, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c01084.
[48] Wang, H., Smith, R.L., and Qi, X., Upcycling of monomers derived from waste polyester plastics via electrocatalysis. Journal of Energy Chemistry, 101, pp. 535-561, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jechem.2024.10.005.
[49] Dong, Q., Lele, A.D., Zhao, X., Li, S., Cheng, S., Wang, Y., Cui, M., Guo, M., Brozena, A.H., Lin, Y., Li, T., Xu, L., Qi, A., Kevrekidis, I.G., Mei, J., Pan, X., Liu, D., Ju, Y., and Hu, L., Depolymerization of plastics by means of electrified spatiotemporal heating. Nature,
616(7957), pp. 488-494, 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-023-05845-8.
[50] Weber, R.S., and Ramasamy, K.K., Electrochemical oxidation of lignin and waste plastic. ACS Omega, 5(43), pp. 27735-27740, 2020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c03989.
[51] Smalley, M. Catalytic and compatibilization solutions for plastics recycling. Recycling today, [online]. 2020. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://www.recyclingtoday.com/news/catalytic-compatibilization-solutions-plastic-recycling-research-2020/.
[52] Ametefe, D.S., Ametefe, G.D., John, D., Aliu, A.A., Owen, M.M., Shuib, S., and Hamid, A., Energy generation from plastic composites: a systematic review of sustainable practices and Technologies. Circular Economy and Sustainability, art. 2, 2024. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s43615-024-00475-2.
[53] BrightMark. Plastics Renewal. BrightMark, [online]. 2024. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://www.brightmark.com/plastics-renewal.
[54] Agilyx. Agilyx is turning plastic waste into value. [online]. 2024. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://www.agilyx.com
[55] Loop Industries. Expanding our Technology: Infinite Loop. 2024. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://loopindustries.com/infinite-loop/.
[56] Eastman. Polyester renewal technology, [online]. 2024. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://www.eastman.com/en/sustainability/environmental/circularity/circular-solutions/polyester-renewal.
[57] Eastman. Carbon renewal technology. [online]. 2024. [accessed 29th
July 2026]. Available at: https://www.eastman.com/en/sustainability/environmental/circularit y/circular-solutions/carbon-renewal-technology.
[58] Carbios. Enzymatic recycling: removing the constraints of current processes. [online]. 2024. [accessed 18th January 2025]. Available at: https://www.carbios.com/en/pet-biorecycling-technology/
[59] Dow Chemical. Dow and Innventure to Collaborate on Waste-to- Value Platform. Dow Chemical. [online]. 2024. [accessed 29th July 2026]. Available at: https://corporate.dow.com/en-us/news/press-releases/dow-and-innventure-waste-to-value-platform.html.
[60] Hoffmann, K., BASF and Sulzer Chemtech sign Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate in sustainable technologies. BASF, [online]. 2022. [accessed 18th January 2025]. Available at: http://www.sulzer.com/en/shared/news/220824-sulzer-and-basf-sign-memorandum-of-understanding
[61] Greenchemicals. GC OLPET. [online]. 2025. [accessed 18th January 2025]. Available at: https://greenchemicals.eu/greenchemicals-recycling/gc-olpet/.
[62] GreenMantra. GreenMantra Technologies to spotlight sustainable additives portfolio at NPE, [online]. 2024. [accessed 18th January 2025]. Available at: https://greenmantra.com/greenmantratechnologiestospotlightsustainableadditives/.
[63] G3N. Paving the path towards a greener world. [online]. 2024. [accessed 18th January 2025]. Available at: https://gr3n-recycling.com/technologies/.
[64] Galatro, D., Chin, Y.-H., and Saville, B., Strategies for chemical process design: a sustainability-based approach. 2024 ASEE St. Lawrence Sector Annual Conference Proceedings, art. 48560, 2024. DOI: https://10.18260/1-2-660.1113-48560
Dimensions
PlumX
Visitas a la página del resumen del artículo
Descargas
Cómo citar
Licencia
Derechos de autor 2026 DYNA
Esta obra está bajo una licencia internacional Creative Commons Atribución-NoComercial-SinDerivadas 4.0.
El autor o autores de un artículo aceptado para publicación en cualquiera de las revistas editadas por la facultad de Minas cederán la totalidad de los derechos patrimoniales a la Universidad Nacional de Colombia de manera gratuita, dentro de los cuáles se incluyen: el derecho a editar, publicar, reproducir y distribuir tanto en medios impresos como digitales, además de incluir en artículo en índices internacionales y/o bases de datos, de igual manera, se faculta a la editorial para utilizar las imágenes, tablas y/o cualquier material gráfico presentado en el artículo para el diseño de carátulas o posters de la misma revista.
