A terminology for downcycling

The term downcycling is often used anecdotally to describe imperfections in recycling. However, it rarely defined. Here, we identify six meanings of the as scientific articles and reports. These encompass material quality reprocessed materials, target applications, product value, alloying element losses, systems, additional primary production. In a proposal for harmonized more specific terminology, define phenomenon reduction materials from waste relative their original quality. We further that reduced can express itself thermodynamically, functionally, economically, covering all perspectives on downcycling. Dilution, contamination, demand recycled design-related issues cause those effects. anticipate this precise terminology help quantify downcycling, keep loop longer, use at higher quality, therefore assist reducing material-related environmental impacts.