A brief review on circular economy pathways in plastic recycling

Abd Razak, Jeefferie and Azraai, Shamsul Bahari and Semiun, Nasri and Narayanan, Thinakaran (2026) A brief review on circular economy pathways in plastic recycling. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), IX (XII). pp. 3032-3043. ISSN 2454-6186

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Abstract

Plastic waste has become one of the defining sustainability challenges of our time, demanding a decisive shift from the linear “take–make–dispose” model toward a circular plastic economy. This brief review paper examines how circularity in plastics is being advanced through innovative approaches such as product redesign, advanced recycling technologies, and policy instruments, including Circular Economy Blueprints and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Yet, the transition is constrained by systemic barriers: deficits in infrastructure, uneven public awareness, weak enforcement, and fragmented regional strategies. Beyond technical interventions, the circular economy of plastics requires a social perspective that acknowledges the environmental, economic, and societal costs of mismanaged waste. Failures in recycling systems intensify hidden risks, notably microplastic pollution and human health impacts, underscoring the urgency of comprehensive reform. Pathways to overcoming these barriers include strategic regional collaboration, scientific innovation, and inclusive governance frameworks that integrate social responsibility with technological progress. By situating these dynamics within broader debates on sustainable development, this paper offers insights into practical strategies for embedding circularity in plastic recycling and advancing resilience across diverse contexts.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Circular economy, Plastic recycling, Environmental governance, Sustainable development, Wealth creation
Divisions:	Faculty Of Industrial And Manufacturing Technology And Engineering
Depositing User:	Sabariah Ismail
Date Deposited:	23 Feb 2026 01:22
Last Modified:	23 Feb 2026 01:22
URI:	http://eprints.utem.edu.my/id/eprint/29503
Statistic Details:	View Download Statistic

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