Recycling of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS): a review

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) is a polymer used for diverse applications such as automobile parts, electronic components, and consumer goods owing to properties like high impact strength, lightweight nature, and chemical resistance. However, the extensive use of ABS polymer generates a significant amount of waste, which has environmental repercussions due to improper disposal, such as landfilling and incineration, which severely threaten the ecosystems around us. Recycling ABS waste reduces the burden on landfills and enables us to reuse waste ABS, which aligns with the principles of sustainability. This article discusses the processes involved in recycling ABS waste, including collection, segregation, recycling technologies, preparation of blends, and applications of recycled ABS. Mechanical and chemical recycling technologies are comprehensively covered as these are the two main recycling technologies employed for ABS waste recycling. This review attempts to cover recent ABS recycling techniques and highlight the significance of ABS plastic recycling for the circular economy. Recycling ABS waste is vital in extending its lifespan, leading to more cost-effective and resource-efficient industrial processes. Embracing the transformative potential of ABS waste unlocks many possibilities and opportunities for innovation while upholding sustainability principles.