Rethinking Plastic: Strategies for a Sustainable Circular Economy

Abstract

In her presentation rethinking plastic strategies for a sustainable circular Economy," Dr. Sonia Esperanza Reyes Gómez, a chemical engineer with over 13 years of experience in research and development in areas such as recycling and sustainability, emphasized the urgent need to reevaluate the production and management of plastic in light of its growing environmental impact. Dr. Reyes proposed the model of "Sustainable Circular Economy" as an alternative to the traditional linear approach of "extract-produce-dispose." This new paradigm is based on principles such as circular design, which aims to create products with a prolonged life cycle and that are easily recyclable, and innovation in recycling and valorization, which allows for maximizing the use of plastic materials.

During her presentation, the speaker highlighted the collaboration between the Institute and the industry, emphasizing how joint efforts can lead to more effective solutions. She mentioned the importance of conducting applied research that responds to the needs of the sector, as well as the development of laboratories for the characterization of plastic materials and rubbers, which facilitate rheological and processing tests. Additionally, she referred to the implementation of emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), to optimize industrial processes and improve energy efficiency in plastic production.

Dr. Reyes also addressed the fundamental role of education and public awareness in fostering changes in consumer behavior. She stressed that without a change in collective mentality, it will be difficult to move towards a more sustainable future. In this context, she mentioned the need for educational campaigns that inform about the importance of recycling and proper management of plastic waste.

Moreover, she presented data on the growing trend in plastic production, emphasizing that although currently only 14% of plastics are recycled, it is essential to work towards increasing this percentage by improving recycling infrastructure and promoting policies that incentivize the use of recycled materials. Dr. Reyes also proposed the creation of innovation clusters where different companies and entities can collaborate in developing sustainable solutions.

Finally, she concluded her presentation by emphasizing that although plastic has been a fundamental material in the development of various industries, it is imperative to manage it responsibly. The transition towards a circular economy will not only contribute to the conservation of natural resources and the mitigation of climate change but will also generate new economic opportunities in the sustainable management of plastic, benefiting both the industry and the environment