A systematic review of PET circularity technologies and management strategies: Challenges and future directions

Abstract

In response to the escalating environmental, economic, and social challenges posed by Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) waste, the past two decades have witnessed a significant expansion in PET recycling and reuse research. This study conducts a systematic literature review of PET-related research published between 2000 and 2024, utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database's Advanced Search function to retrieve relevant literature. The searching strategy employed predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the selection of studies specifically related to PET recycling and reuse, ultimately identifying 4847 key research sources after manual screening. To systematically analyze the selected literature, a bibliometric clustering approach using VOSviewer was applied, revealing four dominant research areas: environmental impacts and economic performance, recycling technologies, waste management, and sector-specific applications. A conceptual framework was developed to synthesize key research trends, methodological approaches, and limitations across these domains.

This study revealed that while PET recycling technologies have advanced significantly, challenges persist in terms of energy efficiency, cost competitiveness, and scalability. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies often overlook the end-of-life phase, limiting the accuracy of environmental impact evaluations, particularly in construction applications. Additionally, economic analyses of PET circularity remain fragmented, often failing to capture regional cost variations, market fluctuations, and the economic feasibility of emerging recycling methods. The study also identifies a lack of spatial-temporal research on PET material flows, limiting the ability to design adaptive and region-specific waste management strategies.

Consequently, several promising research opportunities have been identified: (1) improving end-of-life lifecycle assessments for PET applications, particularly in construction; (2) optimizing chemical recycling methods; (3) enhancing enzyme catalytic efficiency, thermal stability, and scalability; (4) leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) for precise PET sorting and waste flow optimization; (5) developing PET-specific data frameworks that incorporate spatial-temporal dimensions for tracking production, consumption, and recycling trends; (6) integrating informal and formal PET recycling systems in emerging economies; (7) exploring consumer perceptions, trust, and willingness to pay for recycled PET products; and (8) examining the interaction between recycling habits and infrastructure to optimize recycling system adoption and efficiency.

Previous reviews predominately focused on technological advancements, environmental impacts, or specific industries. By contrast, this study adopts an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating insights from materials science, chemical engineering, environmental science, and management studies. While most prior reviews emphasize PET recycling in packaging and textiles, this study extends the scope to construction, where PET reuse remains underexplored. By addressing these gaps, this review provides a more holistic understanding of PET circularity and identifies key research priorities for advancing both theory and practice.

This review provides practical insights for industries and researchers by highlighting key gaps and opportunities for improving PET circularity. The findings can guide technological advancements, enhance waste management efficiency, and drive innovations in PET reuse across different sectors. Additionally, the study underscores the economic potential of PET circularity, offering strategic insights for businesses aiming to develop more cost-effective and sustainable PET recycling processes. By integrating environmental, technological, economic, and behavioral perspectives, this review lays a foundation for more efficient, scalable, and commercially viable PET recycling solutions, ultimately contributing to global sustainability efforts.