Circular Polyesters Based on Lactones

Abstract

The development of modern society is closely related to polymer materials. As a typical example, plastic is an indispensable material in modern society. However, despite their low cost and widespread use, most discarded polymers are not recyclable, and their widespread use leads to the depletion of natural resources. In addition, the accumulation of polymer materials and their evolution in the environment can also cause serious environmental problems. Although the polymers can be reused by physical recovery, the properties of the polymers produced by this process are significantly reduced. Chemical recycling to original monomers for repolymerization offers a promising closed-loop method to transition from a linear plastic economy toward a more sustainable circular model. This review focuses on recent developments and outlines future challenges of emerging chemically recyclable polyesters.