Alanalp, Mine BegümErgin, Mustafa FatihDurmuş, AliDas, Alok PrasadKarakuş, Selcan2026-02-112026-02-112026Alanalp, M. B., Ergin, M. F., & Durmuş, A. (2026). Management of plastic wastes: History, current applications, and future perspectives of recycling, upcycling, and reclaiming technologies. A. P. Das, S. Karakuş (Eds.), Synergizing Sustainability for Integrated Waste Management, (pp. 69-97). Springer Nature Link. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03718-3978303203720697830320371833005-16223005-1630https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-03718-3https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13055/1322Plastic materials possess a variety of structural and physical features and some key characteristics that make them widely used in many applications due to their superior properties such as low density, chemical and mechanical durability, low cost, recyclability, easiness and versatility in processing, thermal and electrical insulating property, colorability. Plastics are used in various applications in many industrial areas and daily-life, including packaging (the largest segment), construction, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods. Since the 1950s, production and consumption of plastics has readily increased, with global production reaching over 370 million metric tons in recent years. This trend is expected to continue, with projections estimating it could reach over 1 billion metric tons by 2030. The highest plastic consumption is found in developed regions like North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. However, emerging economies are rapidly increasing their consumption related to growing industrialization and urbanization in these countries. Overall, while plastics play a crucial role in modern society, their increasing consumption raises important questions about sustainability and environmental health. The rapid increase in plastic production and consumption has led to significant environmental challenges such as pollution, wildlife harm, and waste management issues. An estimated 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans each year. There is a growing push toward a circular economy model, emphasizing the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics to minimize environmental impact. Managing plastic wastes effectively involves a combination of various strategies aimed at reducing, reusing, recycling, and disposing of plastics in an environmentally responsible manner. Modern societies can significantly reduce plastic waste and its environmental impact, promoting a more sustainable future by integrating these strategies. This chapter comprehensively summarizes and discusses the current applications of recycling, upcycling and reclaiming technologies of plastic wastes. Future perspectives and projections will also be highlighted to manage plastic wastes effectively and establish sustainable development in the world.eninfo:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccessPlasticWaste ManagementRecyclingSustainableBook Chapter10.1007/978-3-032-03718-36997