Recycled Plastics: A Viable Option for Sustainable Development
Recycled Plastics Plastic Production on the Rise Plastic production has increased exponentially over the past few decades to meet the growing demand of packaging and consumer goods industries. According to industry reports, worldwide plastic production reached over 360 million tons in 2018 and is expected to double by 2035. However, largescale manufacturing of plastics from fossil fuels like oil and gas has serious environmental consequences. Plastic waste has become a global problem as most plastics end up in landfills or oceans polluting the ecosystem. With less than 10% of plastic scrap currently recycled worldwide, there is an urgent need for sustainable waste management practices. Challenges in Plastic Recycling Recycling plastic scrap is challenging due to the complex resin types and contamination issues. Most plastics like PET, HDPE, and PP can be recycled but other types with chemical additives are difficult to process. Mixed plastic waste from households containing residue fo...