Technology adoption and diffusion in the plastics value chain: From users and recyclers to recyclate uptake

Abstract

Despite recent progress and growing investments in plastic recycling technologies, the market uptake of recycled PET products remains persistently low, exposing a critical disconnect between technological development and real-world adoption. While existing research emphasizes waste collection and technical bottlenecks, limited attention has been paid to how industrial recyclers and manufacturers navigate adoption decisions that ultimately shape the diffusion and integration of plastic recycling technologies across production systems. This study addresses that gap by applying a fuzzy Delphi TOPSIS method to evaluate six PET plastic recycling technologies and twenty-five criteria influencing adoption and uptake decisions. We identify efficiency, pricing structures, consumer willingness, incentives, energy consumption, and public awareness as some of the most influential factors. Mechanical recycling is the most preferred technology, balancing cost, compatibility, and environmental performance. These findings reveal how adoption is shaped by technical efficacy and perceptions of risk, cost, and alignment with market norms. The study offers a decision-driven lens for designing targeted policy interventions and scaling viable recycling solutions within circular economy frameworks, highlighting these dynamics.