Key Terms in Plastic Waste Transformation Reactions

Efficiently recycling and upcycling plastic waste are key to sustainable carbon resource management. However, it is imperative to conduct accurate quantitative analyses of the transformation processes. While prevailing studies have predominantly centered on “conversion” as a metric for evaluating plastic waste upcycling, it is more important to emphasize two pivotal terms: mass balance and product yields. The mass balance is fundamental, serving as a cornerstone for verifying the reaction results’ reliability in these processes. Concurrently, product yield emerges as a critical measure, directly reflecting the process efficiency in generating designated valuable products. They provide a more objective understanding of plastic waste upcycling processes, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and effective recycling practices.