Towards a Green Environment: Recycling, Reuse, and Circular Economy of Plastic Waste

Submission Deadline: August 31, 2026

Guest Editor:

Oluwatoyin Joseph Gbadeyan, PhD

Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa

Research interests: Mechanical Properties; Mechanical Testing; Materials; Materials Processing; Material Characterization; Microstructure; Mechanics of Materials; Material Characteristics; Mechanical Behavior of Materials; Nanomaterials

Topic:

Plastic waste has been identified as one of the potential carbon footprint contributors, destroying the ecosystem and causing climate change, claiming lives and properties. Despite the efforts toward mitigating plastic waste by the government and stakeholders, their actions have no too limited effects due to the increase in population. Although innovative, practical advancements such as recycling plastic waste have been identified as a viable way to achieve a sustainable circular economy. However, only 10% of waste plastic has been recycled globally. This special issue will provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of plastic waste management, highlighting innovative solutions and strategies for recycling, reuse, and a circular economy. It will consider an interdisciplinary approach covering plastic waste's environmental, economic, and social impacts and the latest technologies and policies for reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability. Furthermore, discussion on a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals seeking to develop and implement sustainable solutions for plastic waste management will be welcomed.

The following are the scope of the special issue:

1. The Plastic Waste Problem: Environmental, Economic, and Social Impacts
2. Current State of Plastic Waste Management: Challenges and Opportunities
3. Recycling Technologies: Mechanical, Chemical, and Biological
4. Reuse and Repurposing of Plastic Waste
5. Circular Economy Strategies for Plastic Waste
6. Policy and Regulatory Frameworks for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management
7. Case Studies and Success Stories: Innovative Plastic Waste Management Initiatives
8. Future Directions and Challenges: Towards a Plastic-Free World