Key Terms in Plastic\nWaste Transformation Reactions

Efficiently recycling and upcycling plastic waste are\nkey to sustainable\ncarbon resource management. However, it is imperative to conduct accurate\nquantitative analyses of the transformation processes. While prevailing\nstudies have predominantly centered on “conversion”\nas a metric for evaluating plastic waste upcycling, it is more important\nto emphasize two pivotal terms: mass balance and product yields. The\nmass balance is fundamental, serving as a cornerstone for verifying\nthe reaction results’ reliability in these processes. Concurrently,\nproduct yield emerges as a critical measure, directly reflecting the\nprocess efficiency in generating designated valuable products. They\nprovide a more objective understanding of plastic waste upcycling\nprocesses, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and effective\nrecycling practices.