Polyolefins in the Circular Economy: Advances and Recyclability

Abstract Plastics are widely used across various sectors, with polyolefins such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) making up a significant portion of global consumption. These materials are produced through olefin polymerization using diverse technologies, and their properties are tailored to meet the needs of different industries. Despite their benefits, plastics are often criticized for their environmental impact due to improper waste management, leading to littering on land and in oceans. Therefore, an intelligent and sustainable waste management system is essential to transform plastic waste into valuable resources and prevent pollution.This review article focuses on the production of value-added products through various recycling techniques, particularly the chemical recycling of polyolefins. Current technologies lack the integration of advanced tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), which are necessary for modernizing these processes. Implementing AI and ML into existing technologies presents a significant challenge but is crucial for advancing recycling methods. The objective of this review is to highlight current polyolefin production technologies, address environmental concerns from plastic waste, and explore recycling techniques and novel processes to ensure a circular economy framework for a sustainable plastic value chain.