Exploring Sustainable Practices in Plastic Recycling and Manufacturing: A Case Study in Georgia

The burgeoning environmental challenges posed by the accumulation of plastic waste underscore the imperative for sustainable recycling solutions. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), being among the most prevalent plastics, garners significant attention for its recycling potential. The ecological threats of plastic waste accumulation, coupled with PET's widespread use, necessitates innovations in recycling techniques. Thus, for the effective realization of closed-loop recycling technologies, a deep understanding and evaluation of the status of the supply chain is necessary.

In this work, a robust analysis of the supply chain of PET recycling and manufacturing within the state of Georgia is presented. Rigorous data collection from various state and national sources, a meticulous inventory of regional facilities is compiled. [1][2] This database offers a comprehensive depiction, charting the PET journey from collection, sorting, landfilling, recycling, to reuse [3][4]. With a focus on real-world data, this work extensively investigates transportation efficiencies and facility capabilities, emphasizing environmental preservation throughout.

A computational framework is developed to evaluate the supply-chain of waste PET in Georgia through an equation-based formulation. The potential of a selection of chemical recycling methodologies if integrated within the current supply chain network- especially those in recent limelight such as hydrolysis, glycolysis, methanolysis, mechanocatalysis and dissolution – are compared [5][6]. By leveraging real data from our inventory, this comparison serves to quantify the impact of each method on CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain. In summary, this work not only offers a strategic roadmap for fortifying PET recycling infrastructures in Georgia but also presents a modifiable blueprint for broader regional adaptation. The accrued insights prove invaluable for a spectrum of stakeholders, from policymakers and facility operators to researchers, united in their pursuit of a sustainable PET recycling landscape.

References:

[1] Georgia Department of Economic Development. "Georgia Recycling Infrastructure Map." (2023)

[2] U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Recycling Infrastructure and Market Opportunities Map." (2021).

[3] Thakker, V. and B.R. Bakshi, “Designing Value Chains of Plastic and Paper Carrier Bags for a Sustainable and Circular Economy”. (2021).

[4] Chaudhari, U.S., et al. "Systems analysis approach to polyethylene terephthalate and olefin plastics supply chains in the circular economy: a review of data sets and models." (2021).

[5] Uekert et al. "Technical, Economic, and Environmental Comparison of Closed-Loop Recycling Technologies for Common Plastics." (2023).

[6] Schwarz et al. "Plastic recycling in a circular economy; determining environmental performance through an LCA matrix model approach." (2021).