Energy Generation from Plastic Composites: A Systematic Review of Sustainable Practices and Technologies

• Published in: Circular Economy and Sustainability
• Main Author: Ametefe D.S.; Ametefe G.D.; John D.; Aliu A.A.; Owen M.M.; Shuib S.; Hamid A.
• Format: Review
• Language: English
• Published: Springer Nature 2024
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85211389088&doi=10.1007%2fs43615-024-00475-2&partnerID=40&md5=ebbadfb868d5145407c8a73fe6293b11

Energy generation from plastic composites offers a viable solution to the dual challenges of plastic waste management and renewable energy production. This study explores the potential of plastic composites for energy generation through key waste-to-energy technologies, including incineration, pyrolysis, gasification, and anaerobic digestion. The study employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, following the PRISMA guidelines, and draws from two primary databases: ScienceDirect and Web of Science. Each method is assessed in terms of energy efficiency, environmental impact, economic feasibility, and scalability, based on studies published between 2020 and the second quarter of 2024. Pyrolysis and gasification emerge as particularly promising technologies due to their flexibility and higher energy recovery potential. Incineration, although widely used and well-established, presents challenges related to emissions, despite improvements in emissions control technologies. Anaerobic digestion, though limited in its application to conventional plastics, provides sustainability benefits when used with biodegradable materials. The analysis reveals regional disparities in research focus, the influence of policy frameworks, and the need for technological innovation to optimize these processes. Ultimately, the findings highlight the importance of integrating energy recovery from plastic waste within circular economy models to achieve sustainable waste management and renewable energy goals. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2024.