From Bakelite to Biodegradable: Practical Initiatives for Broadband Spectroscopy in Plastic Remediation and Replacement

Abstract

In a world where plastic pollution can be seen out most windows, no article is needed to convey the global scope of the plastics problem. But this topic often becomes bifurcated into technological discussions without concrete implementations, or broad initiatives without a tether to the aforementioned technologies. Here we aim to fuse these two by connecting the capabilities of ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near-infrared (IR), and Raman spectroscopies with practical, real-world initiatives being carried out at the corporate and social levels. Spectroscopy plays a critical role in both macroscopic and microscopic plastics detection, which is the first step in remediation, and also in the commercial replacement of plastics with biodegradable materials. This piece provides tangible examples of efforts being made today, including details on spectral hardware implementation, but more importantly provides proposals to the reader on how they can make a meaningful difference in their own world.