100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Redefining Sustainable Polymers

Although Staudinger realized makromolekules had enormous potential, he likely did not anticipate the consequences of their universal adoption. With 6.3 billion metric tons of plastic waste now contaminating our land, water, and air, we are facing an environmental and public health crisis. Synthetic polymer chemists can help create a more sustainable future, but are we on the right path to do so? Herein, a comprehensive literature survey reveals that there has been an increased focus on sustainable polymers in recent years, but most papers focus on biomass-derived feedstocks. In contrast, there is less focus on polymer end-of-life fates. Moving forward, we suggest an increased emphasis on chemical recycling, which sees value in plastic waste and promotes a closed-loop plastic economy. To help keep us on the path to sustainability, the synthetic polymer community should routinely seek the systems perspective offered by life cycle assessment.

Automated summary

There has been an increased focus on sustainable polymers in recent years, but less attention has been paid to the end-of-life fate of polymers. It is suggested to place more emphasis on chemical recycling to promote a closed-loop plastic economy, in order to keep us on the path to sustainability.