Circular Economy in a Plastic World: How can emerging technologies enable the transition?

Abstract: Plastic waste has brought a severe pollution problem that demands immediate attention. Promoted by policymakers, academia, and corporations alike, the circular economy model presents a viable path to sustainable development. Likewise, the emergence of disruptive technologies promises a profound and imminent socio-technical transformation. This thesis qualitatively explores the role, barriers, and impact of emerging technologies in the transition towards a circular economy in the plastic materials value chain through a systematic literature review and expert interviews. Theoretical and practical insights are jointly classified, analysed, and interpreted through the ReSOLVE and Multi-Level Perspective frameworks. Technologies enclosed in the chemical recycling, biorefineries, distributed economies, and Industry 4.0 concepts are identified as major enablers of the transition towards circularity. Moreover, technologies that exhibit the least risk, demonstrate high efficiency, help showcase the company’s sustainability achievements, propel a shift away from the mono-product focus, utilise the current waste management capabilities, enable collaboration, and are conceptually understandable, will have the most prominent role in the transition.