Sustainable Solutions: Assessing the Environmental Impact of Advanced Plastic Waste Recycling
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: The global escalation of plastic waste has led to growing environmental and health concerns, prompting the need for more sustainable recycling strategies. This systematic literature review explores the development and effectiveness of plastic recycling technologies and their environmental impacts. Using the PRISMA method, 40 peer-reviewed studies from 2013 to 2023 were analyzed. Bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer revealed three major research clusters: technological innovations, sustainability and health impacts, and policy frameworks. The findings highlight that conventional mechanical recycling is limited by polymer degradation and contamination, while chemical and catalytic recycling offer promising alternatives for recovering high-quality outputs from mixed plastic waste. Advanced sorting technologies and supportive regulatory measures, such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), further enhance recycling efficiency. The review concludes that integrating innovative recycling methods with environmental policy is critical for building a sustainable and circular plastic economy. Recommendations for future research include improving life cycle assessments, addressing economic feasibility, and enhancing public participation in plastic waste management.
Language: English
Subfield: Waste Management and Disposal
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220168613