Sustainable Polymers for a Circular Economy

Dear Colleagues,

The increasing pollution level worldwide and its huge negative impact on both the environment and human health are motivating the research community to identify green solutions to optimize sustainable polymer use and implement a circular economy as a key goal in the context of sustainable development at the global level. The concept of circularity is closely related to the efficiency of using natural resources at the system level, i.e., throughout the entire life cycles of products, and the transformation of waste into new resources for other industries. This approach is applicable in all areas of activity and can generate synergies that, in their totality, can create new development opportunities.

The promotion of a circular economy underlines the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to economic activities. The transition to circularity encourages sustainable production and consumption models that are adapted to a society that is constantly exploring new sources to support economic growth but that at the same time consider sustainable development requirements. The process of transforming the traditional, linear, model to a circular one involves re-evaluating its unsustainable aspects to identify future development opportunities. In fact, all producers and policy makers should be challenged to re-think the processing of polymer-based products in order to promote circularity. 

Dr. Mihaela Cosnita
Dr. Cristina Cazan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• design and synthesis of biodegradable and/or recyclable polymers
• advances in polymer recycling technologies and processes
• development of waste-based polymer composites
• life cycle assessment and environmental impact analysis of polymer materials
• renewable feedstocks and green chemistry approaches for polymer production
• • strategies to extend and enhance the lifespan and durability of polymer products
• policy frameworks and regulatory initiatives promoting sustainable polymers for use in circular economies
• case studies highlighting successful implementations of sustainable polymers in various industries
• measures promoting an increase in the productivity of resource use through diversification, technological upgrading and innovation, contributing to the creation of a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy
• economic and societal implications of transitioning towards sustainable polymers