Bridging Polymer Science and the Circular Economy: Innovative Business Models for Sustainable Plastic Alternatives

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This is an unedited manuscript accepted for publication and provided as an Article in Press for early access at the author’s request. The article will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and galley proof review before final publication. Please be aware that errors may be identified during production that could affect the content. All legal disclaimers of the journal apply.

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | 02 | Page :
    By

    Pravin Kumar,

  • Sarita Murmu,

  • Sucharita Debnath,

  • Vivek Hamal,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Brainware University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Brainware University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
  3. Assistant Professor, Department of Management, Brainware University, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Abstract

It involves the application of polymer science, circular economy principles, and sustainable business models to change the industrial environment in an environmentally friendly manner, which the study focuses on. It will also carry out a rigorous investigation into the potential of bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable materials and how to integrate them into business models that can be sustainable. The theoretical basis of the study includes the theory of the circular economy, innovation diffusion theory, and sustainable business model innovation models. This study adopts a mixed conceptual-empirical research design that uses secondary data and international case studies, e.g., BASF, NatureWorks, and Danimer Scientific.  The results indicate that innovations in polymers lead to circular practices and business model changes, thereby creating positive impacts on the environment, economy, and society that can be measured. It is revealed in the study that the only way to bring technological innovations to the scale of the market and ensure their long-term competitiveness is through supporting strategic managerial adaptation and policy support. Furthermore, it is stated that the combination of science, business strategy, and government is the most efficient method for sustainability in the long term. The work adds to the established discussion on the subject of sustainable materials management by offering an integrative approach that connects the polymer innovation and the long-term sustainability of the industry by combining these issues with the strategies of the circular economy.

Keywords: Polymer Innovation, Circular Economy, Sustainable Business Models, Bio-based Materials, Industrial Sustainability

How to cite this article:
Pravin Kumar, Sarita Murmu, Sucharita Debnath, Vivek Hamal. Bridging Polymer Science and the Circular Economy: Innovative Business Models for Sustainable Plastic Alternatives. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-.
How to cite this URL:
Pravin Kumar, Sarita Murmu, Sucharita Debnath, Vivek Hamal. Bridging Polymer Science and the Circular Economy: Innovative Business Models for Sustainable Plastic Alternatives. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(02):-. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=239599


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Ahead of Print Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
02
Received 21/11/2025
Accepted 09/12/2025
Published 02/04/2026
Publication Time 132 Days
31

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