The science behind plastic recycling and why it needs a rethink

The article explores the challenges and limitations of plastic recycling, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond consumer behavior to fundamental thermodynamic, chemical, and engineering constraints. Since the invention of the first man-made plastic, Parkesine, in 1862, plastics have evolved into a diverse range of durable materials that have become ubiquitous in daily life. However, by the late 1960s, scientists began detecting widespread plastic pollution in the environment, prompting the adoption of recycling as a solution. Although recycling initially appeared promising by reducing waste and conserving resources, it has revealed significant drawbacks over time, including high costs, inefficiencies, toxicity concerns, and the release of microplastics. The article details the three main recycling methods: mechanical, chemical, and energy recycling. Mechanical recycling, the most common commercial method, involves collecting, sorting, washing, and reprocessing plastics like PET and HDPE but is limited by contamination and material degradation. Chemical recycling, a newer approach, aims to break down plastics to their original raw