Journal of Research in Applied Chemistry

Authors: Suresh Sharma¹, Sangita Verma², Anil D. Pawar³, Subham Choudhury⁴

Abstract: The rapid growth of polymer production over the last five decades has transformed modern society, enabling lightweight materials, affordable consumer goods, and advanced technologies. However, this success has also resulted in severe environmental challenges related to plastic waste accumulation, limited recyclability, and dependence on fossil resources. Conventional mechanical recycling suffers from degradation of material properties and limited applicability to mixed or contaminated waste streams. In this context, chemical recycling and polymer upcycling have emerged as promising strategies to close the materials loop by converting waste polymers back into monomers, fuels, or higher-value chemicals. This review paper discusses the fundamental principles, recent developments, and technological challenges associated with chemical recycling and upcycling of polymers. Major chemical recycling routes such as pyrolysis, gasification, solvolysis, and depolymerization are critically reviewed with respect to reaction mechanisms, catalysts, process conditions, and product selectivity. In addition, emerging upcycling approaches that transform plastic waste into functional materials, specialty chemicals, and advanced carbon products are highlighted. Environmental and economic considerations, including life cycle assessment and scalability, are also addressed. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends while identifying key knowledge gaps that must be addressed for large-scale implementation of chemical recycling and upcycling technologies.

Keywords: Chemical recycling, polymer waste, plastic upcycling, depolymerization, circular economy