Pollution Prevention Strategies: Designing Chemical Products and Processes to Reduce Hazardous Substances and Innovative Recycling Methods for 'Unrecyclable' Plastics

Abstract

The hazardous effects of polluting substances in chemical products and environmental degradation due to it have raised high concerns regarding the urgent need for the development of strategies to prevent pollution within the chemical industry. Green chemistry holds the concept of designing safer chemical products which espouse for the use of green catalysts, solvents and reagents, as well as to standardize processes so as to increase efficiency and reduce wastes. By using standards such as life cycle assessment and atom economy, researchers can evaluate the environmental impact of chemical processes and make informed decisions that prioritize sustainability. This paper involves two main prospects of pollution prevention: the design of chemical products and processes which aim to minimize or eliminate the hazardous substances, and the exploration of innovative recycling methods for materials, with a particular emphasis on 'unrecyclable' plastics. It also talks about the sophisticated recycling methods which cater to the increasing issue of plastic waste are: chemical recycling methods, enzymatic recycling methods, solvent-based recycling methods, and upcycling methods which cater to the degradation of complex polymers into their monomeric units; a biocatalytic method for the degradation of plastics; recovery of valuable constituents from waste streams; and conversion of waste materials to higher-value products respectively. Circular economy principle promotes utilization of the material by reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. Thus, green practices must encompass the manufacturing processes of chemicals and the management of wastes since these are the cornerstones towards achieving a cleaner and healthier world.