Recent Progress in Plastic Transformation and Depolymerization Techniques

Plastic polymers derived from petroleum exhibit diverse physical properties, ranging from flexible to rigid, permeable to impermeable, and hydrophilic to hydrophobic. However, when discarded improperly, they become a significant problem. Plastic pollution poses a threat to the planet, affecting various ecosystems, including terrestrial environments, rivers, lakes, oceans, and underground freshwater sources. These ecosystems are polluted with ropes, fishing nets, syringes, plastic bottles, and garbage bags. This issue is closely linked to the incredible versatility of these materials, whose continuous growth in production is driven by their market value. The current linear production and consumption of plastics are unsustainable and result in excessive waste. This waste is poorly managed, leading to pollution and carbon dioxide emissions that undermine global climate goals and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While some macroplastics are mechanically recycled, others are incinerated, and a significant portion ends up in the environment. Strategies for transforming and depolymerizing plastics offer potential pathways for future reuse. In this article, we explore the latest alternatives for the transformation and depolymerization of macroplastics through processes such as pyrolysis and hydrogenolysis.