Towards Sustainable Supply Chains for Waste Plastics through Closed-Loop Recycling: A case-study for Georgia

Abstract

Sustainable and economically viable plastic recycling methodologies are vital for addressing the increasing environmental consequences of single-use plastics. In this study, we evaluate the plastic waste management value for the state of Georgia, US and investigate the potential of introducing novel depolymerization methods within the network. An equation-based formulation is developed to identify the optimum supply-chain design given the geographic location of existing facilities. Chemical recycling technologies that have received increasing attention are evaluated as candidate technologies to be integrated within the network. The optimum supply-chain design is selected based on environmental and economic objectives. The designed network of pathways uses a mix of different technologies (chemical and mechanical recycling) in a way that are both economically environmentally sound.