Introduction to Plastics Circularity

Introduction to Plastics Circularity: Principles and Practices provides a multidisciplinary approach to addressing plastic circularity, bridging chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and systems thinking. This book is designed for upper‑level undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, scientists, and engineers, offering a comprehensive perspective that is currently missing in many texts. Organized into nine chapters, the book takes readers from the concept and importance of plastic circularity (Chapter 1) through polymer fundamentals (Chapter 2), plastic waste management (Chapter 3), current recycling technologies (Chapter 4), designing for circularity (Chapter 5), circular economy models (Chapter 6), recent innovations (Chapter 7), applications, education, and awareness (Chapter 8), and a concluding look at findings and future directions (Chapter 9). The content ties theory to practice, enabling readers to analyze, design, and improve circularity in real-world contexts. The primary audience includes upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in environmental, civil, chemical, materials, mechanical, systems engineering, and sustainability programs. It is particularly well-suited for courses such as Sustainable Materials and Waste Management, Environmental Pollution and Circular Economy, Advanced Polymer Science, Plastic Waste Management and Recycling Technologies, Civil Engineering Materials, and related programs.

• Integrates foundational knowledge of polymer science, plastic waste management, recycling technologies, and circular economy models into a single resource
• Describes common techniques in chemistry and mechanics for characterizing plastic, while highlighting their limitations, challenges, and areas for improvement
• Each chapter includes real-world examples, case studies, and strategies for implementation in industry, research, and education
• Features a robust set of instructor and student resources, including PowerPoint slides, online videos, homework assignments with suggested solutions, quizzes, and project-based activities