Taming Waste Heterogeneity for Plastics Circularity with Optimized Sample Preparation Protocols for Quality Assessment.

ABSTRACT: From the perspective of the circular economy and minimization of environmental pollution, recycling plastics is key for transforming polymeric waste streams (PWSs) towards reusable and, if possible, upgraded, value-added products. The low homogeneity of PWSs, even when sorted, complicates sampling, analytical characterization, processability, and quality assurance of the whole circular process. Therefore, sampling, sample preparation, and analysis methodologies that yield results accurate and representative enough to describe the contents and the safety of the bulk while being cost-effective are crucial. In this context, an experimental "model waste" approach was conceptualized to reliably assess and optimize sampling and sample preparation strategies towards specific goals, i.e., identify

SUBMITTER: Panagiotopoulos C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12899086 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature