Combined thermochemical-biotechnological approach for the valorization of polyolefins into polyhydroxyalkanoates: Development of an integrated bioconversion process by microbial consortia.

Waste management of persistent polymers such as polyolefins (PO) still represents a major challenge, often leading to material loss from the value chain and contributing to plastic pollution. This study investigated an integrated process to valorize PO pyrolysis side stream. PO wax was recovered and used as a feedstock for a microbial bioconversion process.

Critical Review on the Progress of Plastic Bioupcycling Technology as a Potential Solution for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management.

Plastic production worldwide has doubled in the last two decades and is expected to reach a four-fold increase by 2050. The durability of plastic makes them a perfect material for many applications, but it is also a key limitation to their end-of-life management. The current plastic lifecycle is far from circular, with only 13% being collected for recycling and 9% being successfully recycled, indicating the failure of current recycling technology.