Plastic Recycling Industry Research Articles

Investigation of the Impact of Single and Double Filtration Systems on Post-Consumer PE Film Waste.

Due to the diversity of plastic film waste streams available on the market and the associated variety of contaminants' size and number, the use of melt filtration is necessary. Currently, single and double filtration systems are state of the art in the plastic recycling industry, depending on the application of the produced post-consumer recyclate (PCR). Using PCR for thin films demands small contamination sizes, which are easier to reach using a second filtration step. In the case of relatively clean post-consumer input materials, it must be investigated whether the additional load from the second filter has a counterproductive effect on the material and whether single filtration would be sufficient. For this paper, polyethylene (PE) film waste stemming from a separate post-consumer collection in Austria was processed using an industrial-sized recycling machine with different combinations of filter sizes and systems. Melt flow rate (MFR), ash content, oxidation onset temperature (OOT), and optical contaminant detection were measured to investigate the influence of single and double filtration systems. The investigation showed that, even though the contamination amount and size were reduced, the second filter had a distinct effect on specific properties.

Rapid standoff spectroscopic characterization of plastic waste using quartz tuning fork

Standoff molecular identification of chemicals finds immense applications in homeland security, forensic investigation and plastic recycling industries. Although, standoff detection using mid-infrared radiation offers excellent molecular selectivity, sensitive detection of mid-IR radiation using inexpensive detectors is a challenge. In the present work, we show commercially available inexpensive Quartz Tuning Fork (QTF) can be effectively used for rapid standoff detection of solid samples using mid-IR radiation. In this method, a plastic sample placed 40 cm away was excited with tunable infrared (IR) radiation pulsed at the resonance frequency of the QTF. The IR radiation scattered off the plastic sample was used for exciting the QTF into resonance. Plotting the QTF resonant amplitude as a function of irradiating IR wavelength represents the unique IR spectrum of the plastic sample under study. The resolution of spectra recorded using QTF was found to be superior to those collected with ATR-FTIR and the technique based on QTF was 103 times faster than microcantilever-based photothermal deflection techniques. By combining simple machine learning algorithms with QTF standoff resonance IR spectra, various plastic samples can be effectively classified with 100% accuracy. Also, this technique was found to be capable of identifying black plastics without any further sample preparation requirements.

A quantitative risk assessment framework for reverse logistics of plastic packaging wastes via a multi-stage intuitionistic fuzzy information: a case study of plastic recycling industry in Thailand

A quantitative risk assessment framework for reverse logistics of plastic packaging wastes via a multi-stage intuitionistic fuzzy information: a case study of plastic recycling industry in Thailand

A quantitative risk assessment framework for reverse logistics of plastic packaging wastes via a multi-stage intuitionistic fuzzy information: A case study of plastic recycling industry in Thailand

A quantitative risk assessment framework for reverse logistics of plastic packaging wastes via a multi-stage intuitionistic fuzzy information: A case study of plastic recycling industry in Thailand

Towards a Sustainable Ocean Ecosystem: Innovations in Plastic Pollution Mitigation, Policy Collaborations, and Technological Advancements

The research delves into the multifaceted challenge of plastic pollution, specifically focusing on its presence in our oceans. Initially, the paper explores the history and significance of ocean clean-up initiatives, emphasizing the urgent need to address the detrimental impacts of plastic waste on marine ecosystems. Innovations in plastic recycling are highlighted, showcasing the technological advancements made in addressing plastic waste and the potential these innovations hold for reshaping marine ecosystem preservation. Furthermore, the economic ramifications of plastic recycling are elucidated, presenting a balanced view of its economic growth potential and environmental responsibility. The study then delves into the health implications of microplastics, exploring their potential effects on human health, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive research in this realm. Behavioral economics emerges as a strategic tool in understanding and promoting plastic reduction, illuminating how human behaviors can be influenced for environmental benefit. The research also sheds light on the profound economic potential of the plastic recycling industry, with emphasis on its role in fostering circular economies. Finally, the importance of collaboration between policy and industry is underscored, highlighting both the promises and challenges of collective action in the fight against plastic pollution. In conclusion, addressing plastic pollution necessitates an integrated approach that combines technology, economics, policy, and collective will. Recommendations emphasize the need for more robust policy frameworks, continuous technological innovations, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate this pressing environmental concern.

An integrated SWARA-QFD under Fermatean fuzzy set approach to assess proactive risk mitigation strategies in recycling supply chain: Case study of plastic recycling industry

The role of the recycling supply chain in managing plastic waste problems has been emphasized by both academics and practitioners. Plastic recycling producers face various risks associated with supply chain processes that require proper management and proactive strategies to mitigate negative impacts on business performance. However, quantitative research on risk factors and corresponding proactive risk mitigation strategies in recycling supply chain has been limited. This study proposes a novel integrated approach using Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) under the Fermatean fuzzy set framework to fill this research gap. The study identifies eleven risk factors of recycling supply chain and eight corresponding proactive risk mitigation strategies through literature review and expert validation. The SWARA technique is employed to compute the relative importance weights of risk factors, and QFD is used to analyze the relationship between risk factors and corresponding proactive risk mitigation strategies. The proposed framework is applied to a recycling plastic packaging waste manufacturer in Thailand as a case study. The results demonstrate that the proposed framework can assist logistics and supply chain managers in the recycling plastic industry in making rational decisions to implement proactive risk mitigation strategies. Moreover, the framework can be applied to other waste recycling industries in a similar way.

Current technological options for recycling packaging waste: Challenges and opportunities in India

AbstractPackaging in India comprises around 59% of total plastic consumption, with most of the waste originating from single‐use and short shelf‐life products. The plastic recycling industry is primarily made up of informal processing units which have predominantly been recycling Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste due to ease of availability, sorting, and higher upscale values than most other single‐use packaging. Other packaging, such as Polyethylene (PE) shopping bags, thin film and multi‐material packaging waste is either directed to downcycling, incineration or landfill. About 94% of total recycling in India is carried out through mechanical recycling, which comes through informal and fragmented recycling units. Most of the recycling units in India rely on rudimentary technologies. One example is a visual sorting system that involves manual handling to recycle plastic waste, which is resource and time intensive. There has been some advancement towards chemical and energy recovery techniques, but mostly been limited to pilot‐scale deployment. This article explores the existing and emerging technological options suitable for recycling post‐consumer flexible plastic packaging waste in India. It also discusses the status of multi‐material packaging waste, and the advancement being made for its recycling. The paper also explores India's increased momentum in the use of innovative recycling techniques, such as distributed recycling and manufacturing techniques and plastic waste in steel manufacturing.This article is categorized under: Climate and Environment > Ecosystem Services Climate and Environment > Circular Economy Emerging Technologies > Materials

Assessment of Policy Guidelines, Strategies, and Operational Processes Associated with Plastic Waste Management in Ghana

The study sought to assess to assess the policy guidelines, strategies, and operational processes associated with plastic waste management in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional study design that employed both quantitative and qualitative procedures was used. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive analysis was performed on the structured questionnaire whereas thematic analysis was conducted on data from the interview guided. The results revealed that there are guidelines, strategies, and operational processes for plastic waste management in greater Kumasi and there exist different activities of stakeholders (Recycling companies, KMA and Waste collectors) in plastic waste management in Kumasi. The extent of compliance with plastic waste management guidelines (National Plastic Waste Management Policy) is dependent on the different stakeholders. Plastic recycling companies are in the infant stage with their activities being centered on six processes with pelletizing plastics for export been their major activities whereas waste collectors are solely responsible for collection, transportation and final disposal of plastic waste from different places to either dump sites or plastic recycling companies. KMA and other government institutions involved in waste management must take steps by supervising the day-to-day activities of plastic recycling companies and waste collectors to regulate the activities of companies within the plastic recycling industry.

Study on Strength Parameters of Concrete Made with Waste Plastic from Plastic Recycling Industry

Study on Strength Parameters of Concrete Made with Waste Plastic from Plastic Recycling Industry

Plastic Recycling- A Step Towards Environmental Protection

Abstract In our country much importance is not given to the plastic recycling industry. There are no large scale industries of plastic recycling. The paper made on attempt in emphasising the economic development of any country does not mean that we should just increase GDP, attaining full employment, eradicating poverty, increasing literacy rate or any other socio-economic phenomena. In the process of economic development, it is important for countries to look after the environmental costs . The paper is about the importance of recycling in protecting the environment. Though recycling may be a simple task, it has its own importance. Recycling of plastic is the best way of reducing the production of plastic. It is reducing the usage of plastic we can protect our environment.

Evaluating the generation of microplastics from an unlikely source: The unintentional consequence of the current plastic recycling process

This study casts light on the potential of microplastic generation during plastic recycling – an unintended consequence of the process. To date, microplastics have been detected in the wastewater and sludge from plastic recycling facilities; however, generation pathways, factors and minimisation strategies are understudied. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors affecting microplastic generation, namely, plastic type and weathering conditions. The size reduction phase, which involved the mechanical shredding of the plastic waste material, was identified to be the predominate source of microplastic generation. Material type was found to significantly affect microplastic generation rates. Focussing on the microplastic particles in the size range of 0.212–1.18 mm, polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) generated 28,600 ± 3961, 21,093 ± 2211, 18,987 ± 752 and 6807 ± 393 particles/kg of plastic material shredded, respectively. The significant variations between different plastic types were correlated (R2 = 0.88) to the hardness of the plastic. Environmental weathering was observed to significantly affect microplastic generation rates. Generation rates increased for PC, PET, PP, and HDPE by 185.05 %, 159.80 %, 123.70 % and 121.74 %, respectively, over a six-month environmental exposure period. The results in this study confirm production of large amounts of microplastics from the plastic recycling industry through its operational processes, which may be a significant source for microplastic pollution if measures to reduce their production and removal from wastewater and sludge are not considered.

Cleaner production auditing for plastic recycling industry in Pakistan: A baseline study

Recycling plastics is a good alternative to manage the plastic waste generated in Pakistan. Unfortunately, the country lacks efficient system to manage or recycle the plastic waste it generates. Lack of government support, absence of standard operating procedures, negligence towards health and safety of workers, increasing costs of raw materials and poor quality of the recyclates are some of the issues currently faced by plastic recyclers in Pakistan. Considering the need of cleaner production audits in plastic recycling industries, this study was carried out to establish an initial reference benchmark. Production processes in 10 recycling industries were evaluated from cleaner production perspective. The study showed the average water consumption of a recycling industry as high as 3315 L/ton. All the consumed water is wasted in the nearby community sewer while, only 3 recyclers recycled between 70 and 75% of the treated wastewater. In addition, a recycling facility, on an average, consumed 172.5 kWh of power for processing 1 ton of plastic waste. The average temperature was observed to be 36.5 °C and noise levels exceeded the permissible limits. Moreover, the industry is male-dominated, workers are mostly underpaid and have no access to good healthcare facilities. Recyclers lack standardization and have no national guidelines to follow. Guidelines and standardization of recycling process, wastewater treatment, use of renewable energy, water reuse etc, are direly needed for uplifting this sector and reducing its impacts on the environment.

Magnetic Natural Coagulants for Plastic Recycling Industry Wastewater Treatability

The plastic recycling industry generates a high volume of wastewaters. In this study, an unprecedented use of Moringa oleifera and tannin (Acacia mearnsii bark) associated with magnetite was proposed for the treatment of these wastewaters. The response surface method (RSM) and central composite rotational design (CCRD) methodology was applied to optimize the influence of operational variables (pH, temperature, electrical conductivity, turbidity, apparent color, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total solids) on the performance of the magnetic natural coagulants on coagulation, flocculation, and sedimentation process. The results indicated that temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, and total solids did not generate significant differences in treatments when magnetite was added to natural coagulants. Similarly, the parameters apparent color, turbidity, and COD also did not present significant differences in treatments with Moringa oleifera and magnetite association, although achieving high efficiencies. Finally, the addition of magnetite significantly improved tannin efficiency removal for turbidity, apparent color, and COD with the optimized treatment (21.55 mg L−1 of tannin concentration and 28 min of sedimentation). Thus, natural coagulants associated with magnetite are potential alternatives for the treatment of plastic recycling wastewater and could be used as an environmentally friendly coagulant.

Information-Based Plastic Material Tracking for Circular Economy—A Review

At the moment, it looks like the plastics recycling industry is skimming only low-hanging fruits of its business. To reach intended targets, a greater effort and disruptive innovations are necessary. Physical- or digital-information-based solutions for tracking plastic material can support the circular economy and help to overcome hurdles along the value chain. In this paper, the scientific literature and initiatives in four different technology areas for information-based tracking solutions are reviewed and analyzed. Physical markers can improve sorting efficiencies on short notice but adhere some technical difficulties. Blockchain as a new concept promises high transparency and security, with the drawbacks of energy-intense verification and technical uncertainties. As a third group, the digital product passport claims a combination of physical and digital solutions with open questions on data ownership. The fourth and last group includes standards and certification systems that aim for maximum consensus with slow market implementation. To enable an integrated circular economy of plastics, plastic material tracking solutions must experience broad acceptance by all players along the value chain in the plastics industry and they should additionally be supported by society.

Synthesis of a New Flocculant from Waste Polystyrene: Plastic Recycling Industry Wastewater Treatability

Synthesis of a New Flocculant from Waste Polystyrene: Plastic Recycling Industry Wastewater Treatability

An Analysis of Practices and Challenges for Plastic Recycling Industry in Malaysia

There is a significant increase in plastic consumption with the growing economies of Asia, causing severe environmental issues as a large proportion of the plastic waste is not appropriately disposed due to the underdeveloped collection systems. The situation in Malaysia is particularly worrying as the total plastic waste increased by nearly 30% in 2018, becoming the second-highest of the entire household solid waste. This problem can be addressed by improving the plastic waste management system and increasing the plastic wastes recycling rate. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the current situation of plastic waste generation. Malaysia’s waste management framework is a unique integration of the formal and informal sectors. The lack of uniformity has been the main challenge for the policy implementation in improving plastic waste management. From the plastic material flow analysis, only 41.4% of the plastic wastes were recycled in 2019. The most recycled plastic types in Malaysia are high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), and polypropylene (PP), as they are easier to collect and have higher density. From the identified plastic recycling process flow, the main challenge is low recyclability. Most recyclables are usually contaminated with food waste or non-recyclable plastic, which hinders the sorting process. Informing the public how to recycle plastic waste properly can increase the effectiveness of recyclables collection as well as the sorting process.

Deep learning for chemometric analysis of plastic spectral data from infrared and Raman databases

Increasing plastic recycling rates is key to addressing plastic pollution. New technologies such as chemometric analysis of spectral data have shown great promises in improving the plastic sorting efficiency to boost recycling rates. In this work, a novel deep learning architecture, PolymerSpectraDecisionNet (PSDN) was developed, consisting of convolutional neural networks, residual networks and inception networks in a decision tree structure. To better represent the conditions in the plastic recycling industry, the models were built to identify the most widely recycled polymers – polyethylene, polypropylene and polyethylene terephthalate from open-sourced infrared and Raman spectral dataset containing over 20 different polymers. PSDN performed better than end-to-end neural networks, obtaining an accuracy of 0.949 and 0.967 with the Raman and infrared datasets respectively. The use of deep learning can also distinguish between weathered and unaged polymer samples, with accuracies of 0.954 for high density polyethylene and 0.906 for polyethylene terephthalate.

Seven Businesses Using Principles of Circular Economy in Sub-Saharan Africa: Results of Field Research in Uganda.

Sub-Saharan Africa is facing multiple challenges regarding waste management, economic productivity, and climate change, all of which seriously endanger sustainable development. The concept of circular economy provides potential solutions for addressing this complex, multidimensional challenge. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the academic research and understanding of the circular economy’s status, its application, and its limits in the Sub-Saharan African context. Therefore, the study presents seven Ugandan businesses and entrepreneurs which apply circu- lar economy practices in their operations based on field research conducted in May 2021. The examples touch on plastic recycling, agriculture, carpentry, textile, and paper and packaging industries. The main economic benefits generated are lower input costs, saved waste management costs, and better products for consumers. The improvement of waste collection as well as the reduction of waste landfills and GHG emissions can be considered the most significant environmental benefits. Beside job and additional income creation, better hygienic conditions and improved food nutrient content represent important social benefits. The primary challenges are formed by machinery and production problems which, along with fierce competition over imported products, limit the achievement of economies of scale to support economic sustainability of these initiatives.

Impact of China’s National Sword Policy on the U.S. Landfill and Plastics Recycling Industry

This paper analyzes the impacts of China’s Green Fence and National Sword Programs, under which strict contamination limits were imposed on recyclable materials, besides prohibiting imports of low quality recyclables. Specifically, this study investigates the impacts of this policy on landfills, and the risks to the U.S. plastics secondary materials market and material recovery facilities (MRFs). A hierarchical regression analysis reveals the significant impacts of China’s Green Fence and National Sword polices on the amount landfilled plastic. Controlling for oil prices, producer price index (PPI), and amount of plastic scrap exported, our findings show that the Green Fence had no statistically significant impact on the amount of plastic landfilled in the U.S. However, the quantity of plastic landfilled in the U.S. increased by 23.2% following the implementation of National Sword. Furthermore, analysis of the annual reports submitted by registered MRFs in New York (NY) state reveals that the total amount of plastic recovered by them has decreased. We suggest that demand creation and investments that improve the quality of bales are needed to help solve this economic dilemma.

China\u2019s ban of imported recyclable waste and its impact on the waste plastic recycling industry in China and Taiwan

In 2017 the Chinese government announced to a ban on the importation of several kinds of recyclable waste that could be replaced by domestic recyclable waste. Current research on this subject has placed an emphasis on the issues faced by exporting countries and Southeast Asia as an alternative destination of plastic wastes. However, there has been little study on changes in the waste recycling industry in China and other export destinations such as Taiwan. In this study, I conducted a field survey in China and Taiwan and reviewed the history of Chinese recyclable waste import policy and its impacts on plastic recycling industries. The results show that China switched from directly importing waste plastics from exporting countries to importing recycled pellets via third-party countries, primarily from Southeast Asia. Although Taiwan’s import volume of waste plastics has increased since 2018, improper (i.e. illegal) imports such as those commonly reported in Southeast Asian countries have not been reported in Taiwan. Even after Taiwan implemented tightened import controls in October 2018, it was still able to import enough recycled waste to meet domestic demand. The case of Taiwan shows that proper import controls can contribute to a more sustainable global circular economy.