Topic Editors

Packaging Laboratory, Institute of Agrochemistry and Food Technology (IATA-CSIC), Paterna, Spain
Packaging Innovation Center (LABEN), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago, Chile
Center for the Development of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (CEDENNA), University of Santiago of Chile (USACH), Santiago 9170201, Chile

Green and Recycled Polymer Materials Towards Sustainability

Abstract submission deadline
30 July 2026
Manuscript submission deadline
30 September 2026
Viewed by
1021

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

The versatility and unique properties of polymer materials have enabled their use in the development of advanced materials across various sectors, including food packaging, construction, agriculture, and healthcare, among others. However, the accumulation of plastic waste after its service life has had a negative impact on the ecosystem. Therefore, moving toward a circular economy requires promoting the development of new polymeric materials based on biodegradable, compostable, and/or recycled components, as well as fostering the generation of new technologies that promote their use in various relevant and currently polluting industrial applications.

In this context, the special topic encompasses research on the development of new sustainable materials and technologies. This also encompasses research focused on utilizing sustainable polymeric materials to mitigate the environmental impact of industrial processes. We are currently seeking original articles and review articles on the following, but are not limited to, topics:

- Recyclability studies of polymer materials for use in the original application;

- Synthesis and characterization of new recyclable or sustainable polymers;

- Design of sustainable barrier polymer coatings, adhesives and labels;

- Nanotechnology to improve the properties of recycled polymeric materials;

- Recycling of polymeric food packaging materials;

- Active packaging for reducing food waste.

Dr. Carol López-de-Dicastillo
Dr. Eliezer Velásquez
Dr. Adrián Rojas Sepúlveda
Topic Editors

Keywords

  • sustainable advanced polymers
  • green polymers
  • recycling
  • packaging
  • food packaging
  • healthcare
  • agriculture
  • construction
  • sustainable technologies

Participating Journals

Journal Name Impact Factor CiteScore Launched Year First Decision (median) APC
Coatings
coatings
2.8 5.4 2011 13 Days CHF 2600 Submit
Foods
foods
5.1 8.7 2012 15 Days CHF 2900 Submit
Molecules
molecules
4.6 8.6 1996 15.1 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Polymers
polymers
4.9 9.7 2009 14.4 Days CHF 2700 Submit
Sustainable Chemistry
suschem
4.2 10.7 2020 21.6 Days CHF 1200 Submit
Recycling
recycling
4.6 8.9 2016 18.9 Days CHF 1800 Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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17 pages, 7796 KB  
Article
Molecular Design Strategies of Nucleating Agents with Synergistic Effects for Upcycling Polyethylene Terephthalate
by Xinyu Hao, Tianjiao Zhao, Fuhua Lin, Meizhen Wang, Dingyi Ning, Wenju Cui, Yuanjian Ye, Jun Luo and Bo Wang
Molecules 2026, 31(3), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules31030414 - 26 Jan 2026
Viewed by 176
Abstract
The nucleating agents with different alkyl chain lengths sodium 4-[(benzyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-Be), sodium 4-[(heptanoyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-7C), and sodium 4-[(stearoyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-18C) were synthesized via chemical to improve the crystallization and mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) that had been damaged during mechanical [...] Read more.
The nucleating agents with different alkyl chain lengths sodium 4-[(benzyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-Be), sodium 4-[(heptanoyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-7C), and sodium 4-[(stearoyl)amino] benzoate (SAB-18C) were synthesized via chemical to improve the crystallization and mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) that had been damaged during mechanical recycling. The rPET/nucleating agent blends were prepared by melt blending. The molecular structure and thermal stability of the nucleating agents were characterized using the utilization of fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results showed that the crystallization properties of the rPET had been improved. In addition, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of rPET, rPET/SAB-Be, rPET/SAB-7C, and rPET/SAB-18C were 80.3 ± 0.3 °C, 80.4 ± 0.9 °C, 77.0 ± 1.2 °C, and 69.7 ± 0.9 °C, respectively, demonstrating that the length of the alkyl chain in the nucleating agents was essentially proportional to the lubrication effect on rPET. Meanwhile, the rheological properties also supported the conclusion. The isothermal thermodynamic analysis indicated that the compatibility between nucleating agents and rPET was related to the length of the alkyl chain in the nucleating agents. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of the fracture surfaces of the rPET/nucleating agent blends showed that the longer the alkyl chain in the nucleating agent, the greater the compatibility with rPET. Furthermore, the rPET/SAB-18C exhibited the best mechanical properties of the samples used in this research, with flexural strength and impact strength increased by 5.1% and 58.9%, respectively, compared to rPET. Overall, this work provided the new approach for rPET upcycling by combining molecular design strategies. Full article
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21 pages, 3687 KB  
Article
A Sustainable Circular Route for PET LDH Nanocomposites: Catalyst-Driven Polymerization and Depolymerization for a BHET-to-BHET Cycle
by Tsung-Yen Tsai, Basharat Hussain and Naveen Bunekar
Sustain. Chem. 2026, 7(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/suschem7010006 - 16 Jan 2026
Viewed by 309
Abstract
A sustainable circular pathway was developed for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites through a catalyst-driven polymerization and depolymerization process. In this study, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate with n-butyl alcohol modified ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were utilized as bifunctional catalysts to synthesize highly exfoliated PET/LDH [...] Read more.
A sustainable circular pathway was developed for poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites through a catalyst-driven polymerization and depolymerization process. In this study, calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate with n-butyl alcohol modified ZnAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were utilized as bifunctional catalysts to synthesize highly exfoliated PET/LDH nanocomposites via in situ polycondensation of bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET). The organic modification of LDHs expanded interlayer spacing, improved interfacial compatibility, and promoted uniform dispersion, leading to enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. In the second stage, the pristine LDH catalyst efficiently depolymerized the prepared PET/LDH nanocomposites back into BHET through glycolysis, completing a closed-loop BHET-to-BHET cycle. This integrated strategy demonstrates the reversible catalytic functionality of LDHs in both polymerization and depolymerization, reducing metal contamination and energy demand. The proposed approach represents a sustainable route for designing recyclable high-performance PET nanocomposites aligned with the principles of green chemistry and circular material systems. Full article
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