Current Challenges in Global Waste Plastic Management | AIChE

Current Challenges in Global Waste Plastic Management

Speaker: Jeffrey Seay, P.E., PhD,

Professor of Chemical Engineering and the PJC Board of Trustees Engineering Professor, University of Kentucky

Presentation Abstract: Current Challenges in Global Waste Plastic Management

Plastics are everywhere. In fact, it is nearly impossible to start your day without coming into contact with plastic. From household appliances, to electronics, to the synthetic fibers in your clothes, plastics make modern life possible. Modern life as we currently live it isn’t possible without these amazing polymers. However, despite their benefits, plastics present a significant global environmental challenge. Management of plastic waste is particularly challenging in the developing world. As a result, strategies that are focused on minimizing plastic waste are critically needed. In this seminar, attendees will learn:

  • Why plastic is such a pervasive threat
  • Why traditional recycling is not an effective solution
  • Why plastic presents such a problem in developing countries
  • How additives in plastic compound the problem
  • How new approaches can begin to address this issue
  • How the Chemical Process Industries can tackle this challenge


Webinar content is available with the kind permission of the author(s) solely for the purpose of furthering AIChE’s mission to educate, inform and improve the practice of professional chemical engineering. The content reflects the views, opinions, and recommendations of the presenters. AIChE does not warrant or represent, expressly or by implication, the correctness or accuracy of the content of the information presented. All other uses are forbidden without the express consent of the author(s). For permission to re-use, please contact chemepermissions@aiche.org. Attendee contact information, including email addresses, will be shared with AIChE, with the option to unsubscribe from future communications.

Once the content has been viewed and you have attested to it, you will be able to download and print a certificate for PDH credits. If you have already viewed this content, please click here to login.
  • AIChE Member Credits - 1
  • AIChE Pro Members - $69.00
  • Environmental Division Members - Free
  • AIChE Graduate Student Members - Free
  • AIChE Undergraduate Student Members - Free
  • AIChE Explorer Members - $99.00
  • Non-Members - $99.00
Do you already own this? Log In for instructions on accessing this content.
This Live Event was conducted on Monday, September 19, 2022, 5:30pm EDT. Registration for this event is now closed.
  • Source:
    ENV - Environmental Division
  • Language:
    English
  • Skill Level:
    Basic
  • Duration:
    1 hour
  • PDHs:
    1.00