Collection Overview
Scientific Reports has launched a Guest-Edited Collection on Plastic Processing and Upcycling.
The global plastic waste crisis poses a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, with mounting challenges in managing the ever-growing volume of plastic materials. This Collection aims to highlight cutting-edge research in areas in sustainable plastic waste management, focusing on advancements in polymer degradation, chemical and mechanical recycling, and innovative upcycling techniques. By fostering a circular economy, we aim to transform plastic waste into valuable resources through methods such as catalytic upcycling, thermoplastic processing, additive manufacturing, and biodegradable polymer development. Research exploring life cycle assessments and microplastics reduction is also highly encouraged.
This will be a Collection of original research papers and will be open for submissions from all authors – on the condition that the manuscripts fall within the scope of the Collection and of Scientific Reports more generally. We are welcoming submissions until 19th March 2026.
Why is this Collection important?
"The urgency to address plastic waste through sustainable innovation has never been greater. This Collection seeks to showcase transformative research that tackles the plastic crisis head-on, from novel recycling techniques to the development of biodegradable alternatives. We are excited to bring together interdisciplinary insights that advance sustainable materials science and contribute to a circular economy, reducing the environmental footprint of plastics while creating practical, scalable solutions."- Dr. Chang Gyun Kim
"The growing crisis of plastic waste represents one of the most urgent environmental challenges of our time, with profound implications for ecosystems, climate resilience, and human health. Addressing this issue is central to advancing sustainable development and materials innovation, making the topic both timely and highly relevant to the scientific community and the wider world. This Collection is particularly exciting because it brings together diverse perspectives and methodologies—ranging from catalytic upcycling and thermoplastic processing to life cycle assessments and biodegradable polymers—that collectively move the field toward practical, scalable solutions. By fostering dialogue across chemistry, engineering, environmental science, and policy, the Collection creates a platform where fundamental advances can translate into real-world impact.
The potential impact of this Collection is substantial: it can accelerate the transition toward a circular economy, inform sustainable packaging strategies, and drive innovations that reduce the global plastic footprint. It will also highlight promising approaches to microplastics reduction, plastic reclamation, and waste-to-energy conversion, areas with direct societal and environmental benefits.
Researchers should consider submitting to this Collection because it offers visibility within a focused, interdisciplinary forum dedicated to solutions for one of the most pressing sustainability challenges. By contributing, authors can engage with a community committed to responsible consumption and production (UN SDG 12) and position their work at the forefront of efforts to transform plastic waste from an environmental burden into a resource for sustainable futures." - Dr. Bharat Kumar Allam
This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption & Production.
Why submit to a Collection?
This Collection offers you the opportunity to amplify your high-quality research and become a part of global conversation about answering a global issue. Publishing in this Collection provides an opportunity of greater visibility and attention as it is aligned with trending global issues. It is led by expert Guest Editors and supported by Springer Nature’s Editorial team to ensure relevance and quality. This Collection Provides a platform to highlight your work on a critical global challenge.
Who is involved?
Guest Editors:
- Bharat Kumar Allam, Rajiv Gandhi University, India
- Sushmita Banerjee, Sharda University, India
- Chang Gyun Kim, Inha University, Korea
Internal Team:
- In-House Editor: Chenyu Wang, Scientific Reports, USA
- Commissioning Editor: Quintina Dawson, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
- Managing Editor: Eleanor Smith, Fully OA Brands, Springer Nature, UK
How can I submit my paper?
Visit the Collection page to find out more about this Collection and how to submit your article.