Recycled Plastics Utilization in Packaging Converting Processes: A Semi‐Systematic Review

In recent years, increased plastic usage has led to huge amounts of blended plastic waste moving into the environment without proper control. Packaging plastics make up one‐half of all waste and plastics disposal poses a significant environmental issue. Consequently, the need for improved recycling of waste plastics and their conversion into new products to decrease the need for additional virgin plastics has increased overtime. Given the growing demand for sustainable packaging solutions, this study examines various converting techniques, including extrusion and injection molding, to assess their effectiveness in the production of food and nonfood packaging from recycled plastics. The study underscores the role of advances in recycling technology and considers how challenges like variability in quality and process compatibility can be addressed. It is noted that enhanced sorting and cleaning methods and chemical recycling play a critical role in the quality and performance improving of recycled plastics. The article emphasizes the potential of recycled plastics for creating high‐quality packaging while reducing environmental impact. Future research efforts should focus on enhancing recycling techniques and expanding applications of recycled plastics to promote increased sustainability within the packaging industry.