Research roadmap for sustainable polymeric materials in Korea

Polymer technology has significantly transformed modern society and is a foundation for the global economy. However, the pervasive issue of plastic waste pollution has cast a negative light on the industry. As the world aims for a carbon–neutral future by 2050, a paradigm shift from fossil-based to sustainable polymeric materials is imperative. While biopolymers derived from renewable sources offer promising potential to mitigate plastic pollution and reduce carbon emissions, their current performance and cost disadvantages compared to conventional petrochemical-based polymers hinder their widespread adoption. As a global leader, the Korean plastics industry faces increasing competitive pressures and growing environmental concerns. To address these challenges, the Eco-materials Division of the Polymer Society of Korea (PSK) was established in 2023 to promote collaboration among academia, industry, and research institutions. This review consolidates the PSK's multidisciplinary research efforts, outlines key challenges, and proposes a roadmap for future research directions in sustainable polymer technologies. Key focus areas include mechanochemical plastic upcycling, biomass-derived smart materials, renewable gas barrier films for food packaging, microbial plastic degradation, biomass content analysis, bio-based membranes, self-healing materials, melt compounding, and biodegradable polymer synthesis. By sharing expertise and fostering collaborative partnerships, this roadmap aims to accelerate innovation in the sustainable polymer industry and create a unified vision among stakeholders.