Abstract
Recycling of polymers is a hot debate among the scientists, engineers, researchers and policy makers. Although there are many emerging recycling technologies became visible and applied commercially around the world, its spread is limited with G7 countries and major polymer producing companies. Especially with discovering the extent of “microplastic threat”, scientist, researchers and policy makers try to limit/mitigate its accelerating effects on biota and habitat. On the other hand, considering the widespread and extending use of plastics in our daily life, it is a serious problem to determine effective and acceptable solutions in a short period. Policy makers are trying to establish “Extended Producer Responsibility” policies, polymer manufacturers establish “recycling initiatives” and “collaboration platforms”, although there are also intense criticizm on these initiatives as “plastic advocacy groups”. Polystyrene is one of the most widely used thermoplastic polymer and has the recycling code 6. As of other commercial plastics, its recycling rate is quite low globally and it can be examined as a very insightful example. In this paper, the polystyrene recycling industry is outlined and reviewed based on polystyrene recycling technologies, capacities and its contribution to “circular polystyrene economy” target.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Economic, Social, and Cultural Context
KEYWORDS
Polystyrene, Recycling, Circular Economy, Microplastics
