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DOE OSTI · 1883206

Polyolefin Innovations Toward Circularity and Sustainable Alternatives

Westlie, Andrea H.·Chen, Eugene Y.-X.·Holland, Chris M.·Stahl, Shannon S.·Doyle, Meredith·Trenor, Scott R.·Knauer, Katrina M.
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Abstract

The unprecedented growth and socioeconomic impacts of polyolefins clearly outline a major success story in the world of polymer science. Polyolefins revolutionizes industries such as health care, construction, and food packaging. Despite the benefits of polyolefins, there is a rising concern for the environment due to high production volume (i.e., fossil fuel consumption), often short usage time, and problems related to waste management and accumulation in the natural environment. Creating a circular economy for polyolefins through effective recycling technologies has the potential to decrease the environmental impact of these materials. This perspective discusses polyolefins and their impact, existing and emerging recycling/upcycling solutions, and recycle-by-design alternatives that are challenging the status quo.

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circular economyINORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRYpolyolefinsrecyclingupcycling

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Westlie, Andrea H., Chen, Eugene Y.-X., Holland, Chris M., Stahl, Shannon S., Doyle, Meredith, Trenor, Scott R., Knauer, Katrina M.. 2022-07-30. Polyolefin Innovations Toward Circularity and Sustainable Alternatives. https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.202200492

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