Polyolefins and Polyethylene Terephthalate Package Wastes: Recycling and Use in Composites

Abstract

Plastics are versatile materials used in a variety of sectors that have seen a rapid increase in their global production. Millions of tonnes of plastic wastes are generated each year, which puts pressure on plastic waste management methods to prevent their accumulation within the environment. Recycling is an attractive disposal method and aids the initiative of a circular plastic economy, but recycling still has challenges to overcome. This review starts with an overview of the current European recycling strategies for solid plastic waste and the challenges faced. Emphasis lies on the recycling of polyolefins (POs) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) which are found in plastic packaging, as packaging contributes a signification proportion to solid plastic wastes. Both sections, the recycling of POs and PET, discuss the sources of wastes, chemical and mechanical recycling, effects of recycling on the material properties, strategies to improve the performance of recycled POs and PET, and finally the applications of recycled POs and PET. The review concludes with a discussion of the future potential and opportunities of recycled POs and PET.

Strategies for improving product properties of thermoformed multilayer cups with contents of post‐consumer polypropylene recyclates

“…Some examples are listed in the literature. [18][19][20] However, the trend is toward the use of recycled polyolefin material in packaging for cleaning agents and hygiene products (rinse-off cosmetics), as the requirements for the material used for these applications are significantly lower than for food packaging. 21 A study has shown that the use of multilayer structures of extruded PE films with encapsulated recyclate layer greatly reduces migration, which would make food contact suitability conceivable.…”

From polymeric waste to potential industrial product: Modification of recycled polycarbonate

“…While incineration, landfilling and chemical recycling are not environmentally and economically viable methods; mechanical recycling is the most appropriate method to be used in the disposal of waste plastics. [3][4][5][6] In the mechanical recycling, waste plastic is recovered to reutilize in manufacturing process of plastic products. There are some steps in this method in order to reduce the size of waste plastic and produce clear, high-quality and homogenous products.…”

Mechanical and physical characterizations of compatibilizer‐free recycled plastics blend composites modified with carbon nanotube and clay nanofiller

“…Many industries have authenticated that the use of rHDPE could reduce the cost of the product and the environmental impact 5 . Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is also one of the most recycled plastics where its utilization constitutes 55%–60% of plastic bottles, 6,7 and approximately 18.5% of PET wastes recycled in 2016 8 . According to Mallakpour and Behranvand, 9 PET exhibits deficient mechanical performance and thermal stability which have limited their valuable application in a broad range of industries 10 …”