Polymer Recycling in Malaysia

Abstract

The worldwide consumption of polymers, especially plastics, is progressively increasing annually. In 2017, global production for plastic amounted to 354 million tons (Wang et al., 2019). The strength, long life span, light weight, acceptable price and ease of process have attracted commercial applications. Despite all the advantages, plastics invite more critical issues at the global stage due to their recycling obstacles, energy recovery problems and degradable period that affect soil and water (Valentini et al., 2020). Hence, management of plastic wastes, sorting technologies and chemical compatibility are often stressed when considering recycling (Dorigato, 2021). Besides that, standardized methodologies such as life cycle assessment that proved the potential of recycled plastics to replace the virgin ones should be developed because it helps to overcome both economic and environmental aspects (Gu et al., 2017). The aim of this chapter is to provide an understanding of the polymer recycling status in Malaysia and its market potential. A brief introduction on polymers and their classification, followed by polymer recycling and its classification, supply chain and market demand both local and global status, as well as its challenges are discussed.