Advanced Processes for the Upcycling of Plastic and Microplastic Waste into Value-Added Materials

Plastic and microplastic pollution have become a pressing global concern due to increasing consumption, poor waste management practices, and the long persistence of polymers in the environment. Microplastics are particularly problematic because of their small size, high mobility, and ability to enter ecological and human systems.

Traditional disposal methods such as landfilling and incineration are no longer sustainable, creating an urgent need for innovative solutions that can transform waste into valuable resources. Advanced upcycling processes, including thermochemical, catalytic, hydrothermal, and plasma-assisted techniques, have shown strong potential to convert plastic and microplastic waste into high-value products such as carbon-based materials, fuels, and functional additives.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent advancements in technologies and interdisciplinary approaches for the upcycling of plastic and microplastic waste, with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and environmental sustainability. It intends to bridge fundamental research with practical engineering applications, supporting the transition towards a circular economy. Suggested themes include advanced conversion technologies such as pyrolysis and gasification, catalytic process development, innovative reactor design, production of value-added materials including carbon and nanomaterials, life cycle and techno-economic assessments, integration with waste management systems, and emerging applications in energy, environmental remediation, and industrial sectors.