An Enhanced Mechanical Recycling Method for Plastics to Eliminate Novel Entities Effect

Abstract

There is no planet B for humans to inhabit. This is a core reason to protect and respect planet Earth's capacities. Nine Planetary Boundaries were identified to help guide these efforts. These boundaries define a safe operating scale for humans to thrive. They prioritize the environmental line of Sustainability. One of these, the "Novel Entities" boundary, refers to new synthetic substances or materials introduced into the environment by humans that did not previously exist. Plastics are considered novel entities. The whole manufacturing chain of plastics is directly proportional to environmental threats. The European Commission describes mechanical recycling as the most climate-amicable solution for plastic waste management. However, mechanical recycling suffers from a decline in recyclate quality. This diminished quality prevents recyclates from replacing pure polymer, which refers to new, unused plastic, in applications. Enhancing mechanical recycling to produce more valuable recyclates would have a positive impact on the environment. Therefore, improved mechanical recycling techniques are significantly needed. The purpose is to provide recycled material compatible with virgin polymer. Such substitution of recyclates for pure resins is technically possible. This paper will focus on the drawbacks of mechanical recycling and provide solid suggestions for improvement.