Circular economy approach to recycling of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for the production of pet products

Abstract

The generation of waste remains a constant in anthropogenic activities, particularly inorganic waste, which poses significant threats to living organisms due to its slow degradation in the environment. This study, conducted in Zamora, Michoacán, Mexico, proposes the recycling of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) within a circular economy framework, reintroducing this waste as raw material for new processes to produce pet products. The objective is to generate positive environmental impacts by reducing inorganic solid waste, social impacts by providing the population with new pet products, and economic impacts by reusing inert HDPE material. An experimental design with an artisanal basis was employed, generating empirical knowledge and applying critical thinking to validate the results. The study successfully produced a range of pet products, including identification tags and food and water containers, achieving a categorization of these products. The results presented in this paper are expected to be a practical contribution to sustainable development and recycling discussion, a necessary task for the green growth of economies, especially in developing countries.