Chemical Recycling of Polyester Wastes via Catalysts Promoting Alcoholysis for Valuable Chemicals in Wood-based Structural Material Applications—A Critical Review

Due to the societal appeal in carbon emission reduction and neutralization, chemical recycling of waste polyester for valuable chemicals has attracted attention in an increasing number of applications. Research on chemical recycling of polyester wastes is currently rising sharply and becoming a hot spot gradually. Many technical and fundamental questions still need to be addressed, such as harsh depolymerization conditions (high temperature, long reaction time, low yields, etc.) and techno-economy and environmental sustainability matters. The chemical recycling protocol and optimization of degradable polyester wastes are systemically investigated along with short discussions on non-degradable ones. The thermoset polyurethane and epoxy adhesives derived from depolymerized waste polyesters for contributing to wood-based structural composite materials (e.g., laminated plywood, fire retarded wood coating, and transparent wood composites) along with life-cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis are also critically evaluated and analyzed. These novel insights are expect to open a new avenue to develop wood-based structural materials via value-added chemicals from polyester waste recycling, which contribute to the sustainable society along with prompting further research and extension in forestry biomaterials and renewable natural resources.