Sustainable Alternatives to Nondegradable Medical Plastics

In light of the global climate crisis and commit-ments toward net-zero carbon emissions, this Perspective evaluatesthe current status of developments in recycling methods andbioplastics to identify long-term sustainable alternatives. Therecycling and product application of major medical plastics,including poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polyethylene (PE),polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS), are discussed, andtheir circular potential is evaluated. Researchers are activelyinvestigating bioplastics to solve present concerns and curb theglobal increase in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions frompetroleum-based plastics. Current recycling methods for PE andPP can be scaled up, and bioversions of plastics, such as bio-PEand bio-PP, can be used as a long-term sustainable solutions torealize their circular potential. As an alternative to PVC and PS, materials with inefficient recycling methods, recent promisingbioplastics such as polyurethane (PU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) have a competitive performance. Our Perspective recognizes theneed for further research on issues such as integrated recycling processes and the possibility of commercializing bioplastics.

Automated summary

This Perspective evaluates the current status of recycling methods and bioplastics development as sustainable alternatives, discussing the recycling and application of major medical plastics and exploring the potential of bioversions. The need for further research on integrated recycling processes and commercialization of bioplastics is recognized.