Circular Economy of Polymers Topics in Recycling Technologies

Advancing technologies to deliver a circular economy for polymers Over the last 70 years, plastic usage has spread into nearly every corner of modern life and all geographies. For much of this time, plastics have been disposed of at the end of their first life. While recycling and reuse have increased, these have been limited by the need for clean, single-material streams as feedstock for mechanical recycling and the development status of advanced recycling technologies. By enabling the use of more mixed-waste streams, technologies will not only cut down on plastic waste landfilling, but also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This work presents developing plastic recycling technologies, from feedstocks to final products, and various waste valorization vectors that will enable the eventual transition to a fully circular economy of polymers.

Dimitris I. Collias is Research Fellow in the Corporate R&D Department of P&G. Dr. Collias developed technologies in the bio and circular economy space, such as bio acrylic acid and surfactants, and recycled polyolefins and superabsorbent polymers. He co-authored the book Polymer Processing: Principles and Design (2nd Edition), published more than 35 articles in journals and conference proceedings, and holds more than 100 granted US patents. Dr. Collias is the recipient of the 2020 ACS Affordable Green Chemistry Award. He earned his Diploma from the National Technical University of Athens, Greece, and Ph.D. from Princeton University, both in Chemical Engineering. Martin I. James is a Principal Scientist in the Corporate R&D Department of P&G. Dr James has spent 34 years in the consumer goods industry, taking an analytical approach to problem solving and development of new technologies, holding patents in both formulated and assembled products. In recent years he has undertaken an in-depth analysis of chemical recycling processes for PET, developed new processes for recycling of superabsorbent polymers from disposable hygiene products and explored alternative packaging forms to facilitate recycling. He earned his BSc and PhD in Polymer Chemistry, both from University of Lancaster, UK. John M. Layman is currently a Senior Director in Procter & Gamble's Corporate R&D Department focused on helping develop more environmentally responsible product choices that help consumers and industry reduce overall environmental impact. Dr. Layman has developed and implemented technologies that will help enable the circular economy for polymers. He has authored 14 journal articles and holds 24 granted US patents. Dr. Layman received the John G. Smale Innovation Award from P&G in 2016 and the 2021 ACS Colloid and Surface Technology Award. He earned his Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Tech and his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University.