Polymers: The Environment and Sustainable Development

Preface.

Chapter 1: The Environment and Sustainable Development -
An Integrated Strategy for Polymers.

Introduction to Sustainable Development.

Sustainable Development Issues.

Polymers: An Issue for Sustainability.

Integrated Resource and Waste Management.

Resource and Waste Management Policies for Polymers.

The Book Structure and Life Guide.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercise.

Chapter 2: Polymers in Everyday Use -
Principles, Properties and Environmental Effects.

Introduction.

Basic Principles of Polymer Chemistry.

The Influence of the Environment on Polymers.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercises.

Chapter 3: Feeding the Waste Streams -
Sources of Polymers in the Environment.

Introduction.

Polymer Production and Consumption.

Waste Stream Categories.

Recovery and Recycling of Plastic Wastes in Different Countries.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercises.

Chapter 4: Managing Polymer Waste -
Technologies for Separation and Recycling.

Recycling Options.

Separation and Identification of Plastics.

Process Technologies for Plastics Recycling.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercises.

Chapter 5: Drives and Barriers for Polymer Recycling -
Social, Legal and Economic Factors.

Introduction.

Recovery of Plastic Waste: Logistics and Socio-Economic Issues.

Reprocessing of Plastic Waste: Technical, Institutional and Economic Issues.

Other Factors Affecting Polymer Recycling: Policy Issues and Public Acceptability.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercises.

Chapter 6: Design for the Environment -
The Life Cycle Approach.

Introduction.

Life Cycle Thinking: The Approach and Tools.

Design for the Environment: Life Cycle Production Design.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercises.

Chapter 7: Environmental Impacts of Recycling

Introduction.

Environmental Impacts of Recycling: Life Cycle Considerations.

LCA Case Studies of Recycling Options and Technologies.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Revision Exercises.

Chapter 8: Future Directions -
Towards Sustainable Development.

Introduction.

Improving the Efficiency of Polymerisation: The Principles of Green.

Chemistry.

Design for Recyclability.

Developing New Processing Technologies.

Conclusions: Towards Sustainable Development.

Summary and Learning Outcomes.

References and Further Reading.

Appendix I.

Appendix II.

Index.