Heterogeneous catalysis strategies for polyolefin plastic upcycling: co-reactant-assisted and direct transformation under mild conditions

play a crucial role in driving these transformations, influencing reaction mechanisms and broadening the range of possible products. This review categorizes recent advancements in PO plastic upcycling based on the type of co-reactant employed and compares these with direct, co-reactant-free processes. Despite these advances, challenges remain in improving catalytic stability, product selectivity, and overcoming diffusion limitations in viscous plastic feedstocks. This review underscores the catalytic chemistry underpinning the development of efficient PO plastic upcycling processes with co-reactants, offering insights into future directions for sustainable plastic chemical management.