Microwave-Assisted Chemical Recycling of Poly(L-lactic acid) Catalyzed by Zinc-Based Complex

Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) has emerged as one of the most promising bioplastics, thanks to its renewable origin and biodegradability. Yet, its end-of-life management remains an open challenge: under natural conditions, PLLA degrades slowly, and industrial composting is often energy-intensive and inefficient. To address these limitations, we explored a catalytic chemical recycling approach capable of transforming PLLA waste back into valuable products.[1] This study presents an efficient catalytic system based on zinc complex with phenoxy-imine-pyridine ligand for the chemical recycling of PLLA through hydrolysis and alcoholysis. The catalyst promotes selective conversion of PLLA into lactic acid and alkyl lactates under mild and sustainable conditions. Microwave irradiation further enhances the process, significantly reducing reaction times and solvent consumption while preserving high efficiency.[2] Moreover, the catalysts can be easily recovered and reused without loss of activity.[3].