Electrochemical Commodity Polymer Up‐ and Re‐Cycling: Toward Sustainable and Circular Plastic Treatment

• DOI: 10.1002/marc.202500143
• Publication Date: 2025-04-18T14:30:52Z
• Authors: Maxime Hourtoule; Sven Trienes; Lutz Ackermann
• Keywords: Cycling; Circular Economy; Degradation

Abstract The demand for commodity plastics reaches unprecedented dimensions. In contrast to the well‐developed plethora of methods polymer synthesis, sustainable strategies end‐of‐life management continue be scarce. While mechanical re‐cycling often results in downgraded materials, chemical or up‐cycling offers tremendous potential an efficient and green approach, thereby addressing precarious treatment post‐use within a circular carbon economy. Recently, electrochemistry surfaced as uniquely powerful tool via functionalization degradation obtaining either novel polymers with valorized properties high‐value recycled small molecules, respectively. discussing recent progress that domain, future perspectives electrochemical modifications until January 2025 are outlined herein.