Plastics and the Environment: Recycling, Biodegradability, Ecological Design by Claude Duval Synopsis Plastics are used to replace natural resources and are economic in their implementation. However, they are often stigmatized because of their poor recyclability or biodegradability. To take full advantage of these materials, it is important to understand their real impact on the environment and associated techniques for handling them. This work does so by giving the keys to: analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the development and use of polymeric materials; mastering the cycle of polymer waste (source reduction, recycling, chemical and energy recovery, land filling); assessing the development of bio-based materials; and implementing the techniques of eco-design and eco-consumption. This book is an essential tool for producers and users of plastics, environmental managers in industry and in local communities, eco-industries, and students in engineering, materials or environmental science.

Review 1 Plastics have never been my strong point as regards understanding, not knowing anything about polymers or details of recycling techniques. This book is an excellent guide for anyone wanting to know more. Technical details abound so this is not a book for the squeamish. Environmental managers, plastic producers and users would be well advised to read. And if you are a general reader and are interested in recycling or waste management, you will find useful knowledge about plastics in this book. (Posted by Skip Hire)

Review 2 I used to have a plastic raincoat but it went all sticky and I had to throw it away. Doesn’t all plastic turn into goo after a while? (Posted by Ready Salted)