Abstract
End-of-life options for plastics include recycling and energy recovery (incineration). Taking into account the polymeric waste, recycling is the intentional action that is aimed at reducing the amount of waste deposited in landfills by industrial use of this waste to obtain raw materials and energy. The incineration of waste leads to recovery of the energy only. Recycling methods divide on mechanical (reuse of waste as a full-valuable raw material for further processing), chemical (feedstock recycling), and organic (composting and anaerobic digestion). The type of recycling is selected in terms of the polymeric material, origin of the waste, possible toxicity of the waste, and its flammability. The (bio)degradable polymers show the suitability for every recycling methods. But recycling method should be used in such a form that it is economically justified in a given case. Organic recycling in a circular economy is considered to be the most appropriate technology for the disposal of compostable waste. It is addressed for plastics capable for industrial composting such as cellulose films, starch blends, and polyesters. The biological treatment of organic waste leads also to a decrease of landfills and thereby reducing methane emissions from them. If we add to their biodegradability the absence of toxicity, we have a biotechnological product of great industrial interest. The paper presents the overview on end-of-life options useful for the (bio)degradable polymers. The principles of the circular economy and its today development were also discussed.
Highlights
Reducing waste production, increasing the use of biodegradable and/or biobased feedstock, and development of recycling methods are a challenge for a modern and environmentally friendly economy
It is alternative to the linear economy, in which waste is often treated as the last stage of the life cycle of products
The studies have demonstrated that composites containing 8% w/w of the cellulose fibres to matrix had increased of mechanical properties and thermal resistance and showed the highest decrease of percentage water absorption than other composites
Summary
Reducing waste production, increasing the use of biodegradable and/or biobased feedstock, and development of recycling methods are a challenge for a modern and environmentally friendly economy. For recyclable materials, the main challenge is to extend the life of products by reusing them or introducing them into the natural life cycle of matter where it is possible and economically profitable This strategy includes research programs and introducing innovations aimed at increasing the use of materials such as plastics in an environmentally sustainable way. The European Commission has recommended the Circular Economy Package presenting a new approach to waste management through closing the loop of product life cycles along with increasing of the reuse and recycling methods [6, 7]. The disposal to landfills is not considered a form of organic recycling
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
