Recent polymer modification strategies for reducing plastic waste and enhancing recyclability

Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced annually. Plastic is nonbiodegradable and represents an abundant environmental challenge. This review focuses on novel polymer modification techniques to reduce waste in the recycling, reuse, and degradation context of a circular economy. The study focuses on the implementation of design-for-deconstruction thinking and an investigation into vitrimers – the dynamic, self-healing materials that can be reprocessed efficiently. Enzymatic, catalytic, and electrochemical methods are diagnosed as advanced approaches for the perfect recycling of waste plastics to high-performance materials using AI-assisted tools. These methods chemically reverse molecular damage to restore mechanical properties lost during recycling. Validation of the methodology is performed using FTIR, DSC, TGA, and SEM. While promising lab results, upscaling to industrial generation is difficult due to high catalyst cost, incompatibility of infrastructure, and insufficient standardized LCA and TEA data. Achieving a sustainable polymer circular economy requires a multifaceted cooperation between researchers, industry, and policymakers to achieve successful integration.